126
LIFE
A N D VOYAGES OF
[BOOK
X.
prehended that further evils had befallen the settlement during his long absence, and that there had again been troubles with the natives. Having dispatched his messenger, he made sail, and arrived off the mouth of the river on the 30th of August. He was met on the way by a caravel, on board of which was the Adelantado, who, having received his letter, had hastened forth with affection足 ate ardor to welcome his arrival. The meeting of the brothers was a cause of mutual joy ; they were strongly attached to each other, each had had his trials and sufferings during their long separation, and each looked with confidence to the other for com足 fort and relief. Don Bartholomew appears to have always had great deference for the brilliant genius, the enlarged mind, and the commanding reputation of his brother ; while the latter placed great reliance, in times of difficulty, on the worldly knowledge, the indefatigable activity, and the lion-hearted courage of the Adelantado. Columbus arrived almost the wreck of himself. His voyages were always of a nature to wear out the human frame, having to navigate amidst unknown dangers, and to keep anxious watch, at all hours, and in all weathers. As age and infirmity increased upon him, these trials became the more severe. His constitution must originally have been wonderfully vigorous ; but constitutions of this powerful kind, if exposed to severe hardships at an ad足 vanced period of life, when the frame has become somewhat rigid and unaccommodating, are apt to be suddenly broken up, and to be a prey to violent aches and maladies. In this last voyage Co足 lumbus had been parched and consumed by fever, racked by gout, and his whole system disordered by incessant watchfulness ; he