472
LIFE A N D VOYAGES OF
[BOOK X V I I I .
towards one who had rendered him such pre-eminent benefits ; unless it was that his mind was swayed by the false testimonies which had been brought against the admiral ; of which I have been enabled to learn something from persons much in favor with the sovereigns.”* After a few days had elapsed, Columbus urged his suit in form ; reminding the king of all that he had done, and all that had been promised him under the royal word and seal, and sup plicating that the restitutions and indemnifications which had been so frequently solicited, might be awarded to him ; offering in return to serve his majesty devotedly for the short time he had yet to live ; and trusting, from what he felt within him, and from what he thought he knew with certainty, to ren der services which should surpass all that he had yet per formed a hundred-fold. The king, in reply, acknowledged the greatness of his merits, and the importance of his services, but observed, that, for the more satisfactory adjustment of his claims, it would be advisable to refer all points in dispute to the deci sion of some discreet and able person. The admiral immedi ately proposed as arbiter his friend the archbishop of Seville, Don Diego de Deza, one of the most able and upright men about the court, devotedly loyal, high in the confidence of the king, and one who had always taken great interest in the affairs of the New World. The king consented to the arbitration, but artfully extended it to questions which he knew would never be put at issue by Columbus ; among these was his claim to the restoration of his office of viceroy. To this Columbus objected with be coming spirit, as compromising a right which was too clearly
* Las Casas, Hist. Ind., lib. ii. cap. 37, MS.