CHAP. I.]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
13
quality of pages to Prince Juan.* He was received with distin guished favor by the sovereigns ; who, finding him to be an able and accomplished navigator, gave him the command of three ships freighted with supplies for the colony, and sent him to aid his brother in his enterprises. He had again arrived too late ; reaching Isabella just after the departure of the admiral for the coast of Cuba. The sight of this brother was an inexpressible relief to Colum bus, overwhelmed as he was by cares, and surrounded by stran gers. His chief dependence for sympathy and assistance had hitherto been on his brother Don Diego ; but his mild and peaceable disposition rendered him little capable of managing the concerns of a factious colony. Bartholomew was of a different and more efficient character. He was prompt, active, decided, and of a fearless spirit ; whatever he determined, he carried into instant execution, without regard to difficulty or danger. His per son corresponded to his mind ; it was tall, muscular, vigorous, and commanding. He had an air of great authority, but somewhat stern, wanting that sweetness and benignity which tempered the authoritative demeanor of the admiral. Indeed, there was a certain asperity in his temper, and a dryness and abruptness in his manners, which made him many enemies ; yet notwithstand ing these external defects, he was of a generous disposition, free from all arrogance or malevolence, and as placable as he was brave. He was a thorough seaman, understanding both the theory and practice of his profession ; having been formed, in a great measure, under the eye of the admiral, and being but little infe rior to him in science. He was superior to him in the exercise * Hist, del Almirante, cap. 60.