第1章

THEmorningwasgrayandIsatbytheseanearPalosinagraymood.IwasJaymedeMarchena,andthatwasagood,_oldChristian_name.ButmygrandmotherwasJewess,andincornerstheysaidthatshenevertrulyrecanted,andIhadbeenmuchwithherasachild.

Shewasdead,butstilltheytalkedofher.JaymedeMarchena,lookingbackfromthehillsideofforty-six,sawsomeservicedonefortheQueenandthefolk.Thisthingandthatthing.Notdemandingtrumpets,butserviceable.ItwouldbeneithercountednorweighedbesideandagainstthatwhichDonPedroandtheDominicanfoundtosay.

Whattheyfoundtosaytheymade,notfound.Theytookclayofmisrepresentation,andinthefieldoffalsehoodsatthemdown,andconsultingtheparchmentofmalice,proceededtocreate.Butfalseaswasalltheysetup,thetimewouldcryittrue.

ItwasreasonablethatIshouldfindthedaygray.

Studyandstudyandstudy,yearonyear,andatlastimageagreatthing,justundertherimofthemind"socean,sendingupforthosewhowilllookstreamersabovehorizon,streamersofcoloredandwonderfullight!Studyandreasonandwithaweanddelighttakelightfromabove.Dreamofgoodnewsforoneandall,oflifegivendepthandbroughtintomusic,dreamofgivingthegiven,neverholdingitback,whichwouldbeavariceandbetraying!Write,andgivemenandwomentoreadwhatyouhavewritten,andbelieve——poorDeluded!——thattheyalsofeelinnerwarmthandlightandrejoice.

Oh,graytheseaandgraytheshore!

Butsomedidfeelit.

TheDominican,whenitfellintohishands,calleditperdition.AJewessforgrandmother,andDonPedroforenemy.AndnowtheDominican——theDominicans!

TheQueenandtheKingmadeedictagainsttheJews,andtheresattheInquisition.

Iwas——Iam——Christian.Itisawideanddeepandhighword.Whenyouask,``Whatisit——Christian?""

thenmusteachofusanswerasitisgiventohimtoanswer.

Iandthou——andtheTrue,theUniversalChristgiveuslight!

To-dayallAndalusia,allCastileandallSpaintomeseemedgray,andgraytheutterOceanthatstretchednomanknewwhere.Thegraywasthegrayoffettersandofashes.

Thetidemade,andasthewavescamenearer,eatingthesandbeforeme,theyutteredalowcrying._Indanger——

danger——indanger,JaymedeMarchena!_

Ihadbeenindangerbefore.Whoisnotoftenandalwaysindanger,inlife?Butthiswasadangertodaunt.

Minewerenopowerfulfriends.Ihadonlythatwhichwaswithinme.Iwasonlysonofonlyson,andmyparentsandgrandparentsweredead,andmydistantkindredcold,seeingnaughtofgoodinsomuchstudyandthinkingofthatold,dark,beautiful,questionableone,mygrandmother.

Ihadindeedaremotekinsman,headofaconventinthisneighborhood,andhewasawisemanandakindly.Butnotheeithercoulddoaughthere!

AlltheJewstobebanished,andDonPedrowithasteadyforefinger,``Thatman——takehim,too!WhodoesnotknowthathisgrandmotherwasJewess,andthathelivedwithheranddrankpoison?""ButtheDominican,``No!

TheHolyOfficewilltakehim.Youhavebuttoread——onlyyoumustnotread——whathehaswrittentoseewhy!""

GrayOcean,stretchingendlesslyandnowcomingclose,wereitnotwellifIdrownedmyselfthisgraymorningwhileIcanchoosethedeathIshalldie?Nowthegreatmurmursang_Well_,andnowitsangNotwell.

Lowcliffandheapedsandandasolitarybirdwide-wingingtowardthemountainsofPortugal,andtheOceangray-

blueandsalt!Thesaltsavorenteredme,andaninnerzestcameforwardandsaidNo,tobeingcraven.Inbanishmentcertainly,intheHouseoftheInquisitionmoredoubtfully,theimmortalmanmightyetfindmarketfromwhichtobuy!

Ifthemindcouldsurmount,theeternalquestneednotbeinterrupted——eventhere!

BlueOceansangtome.

Avision——itcametomeattimes,vision——setitselfinair.IsawAPeoplewhopersecutedneitherJewnorthinker.

ItroseoneFigure,formedofaninfinitenumberofsmallfigures,butalltheiredgesmetinoneglow.Thefigurestoodupontheseaandheldaparttheclouds,andwasfreeandfairandmighty,andwasmanandwomanmeltedtogether,andittookallcolorsandmadeofthemasunforitsbrow.Ididnotknowwhenitwouldlive,butIknewthatitshouldlive.Perhapsitwasthewholeworld.

Itvanished,leavingskyandoceanandAndalusia.Butgreatvisionsleavegreatpeace.Afterit,forthisday,itseemednotworthwhiletogrieveandmiserablytoforebode.

ThroughthehoursthatIlaytherebythesea,airsfromthatlandorthatearthblewaboutmeandfaintsongsvisitedmyears,andthegraydaywasonlygraylikeadove"sbreast.

JaymedeMarchenastayedbythelonelyseabecausethatseemedthesafestplacetostay.AthandwasthesmallportofPalosthatmightnotknowwhatwasbreedinginSeville,andgoingthitheratnightfallIfoundlodgingandsupperinastillcornerwhereallnightIheardtheTintoflowingby.

IhadwanderedtoPalosbecauseoftheFranciscanconventofSantaMariadelaRabidaandmyverydistantkins-

man,FrayJuanPerez.ThedayafterthegraydaybytheshoreIwalkedhalfaleagueofsandyroadandcametoconventgate.Theporterletmein,andIwaitedinalittlecourtwithdovesaboutmeandaswingingbellaboveuntilthebrotherwhomhehadcalledreturnedandtookmetoPrior"sroom.AtfirstFrayJuanPerezwasstiffandcold,butbylittlesthischangedandhebecameagoodman,large-

mindedandwithasenseforkindred.ClearlyhethoughtthatIshouldnothavehadaJewishgrandmother,norhavelivedwithherfrommythirdtomytenthbirthday,andmostclearlythatIshouldnothavewrittenthatwhichIhadwritten.ButhisGodwasanenergetic,enterprising,kindlyPrince,ratherboldhimselfandtolerantofheathen.FrayJuanPerezevenintimatedadoubtifGodwantedtheInquisition.``Butthat"sgoingratherfar!""hesaidhastilyandsatdrummingthetableandpursinghislips.

Presentlyhebroughtout,``ButyouknowIcan"tdoanything!""

Ididknowit.Whatcouldhedo?IsupposeIhadhadahalf-hopeofsomething.Iknewnotwhat.WithoutahopeIwouldnothavecometoLaRabida.Butitwasmaimedfromthefirst,andnowitdied.Imadeagestureofrelinquishment.``No,Isupposeyoucannot——""

HesaidafteramomentthathewasgladtoseethatI

hadletmybeardgrowandwasveryplainlydressed,thoughIhadneverbeenelaboratethere,andespeciallywashegladthatIwascometoPalosnotasJaymedeMarchena,butunderaplainandsimplename,JuanLepe,towit.Hisadvicewastofleefromthewrathtocome.HewouldnotsayfleefromtheHolyOffice——thatwouldbeheinous!——buthewouldsayabsentmyself,abscond,bebanished,JaymedeMarchenabyJaymedeMarchena.TherewerebarquesinPalosandrudeseamenwhoaskednoquestionwhengoldjustenough,andnevermorethanenough,wasshown.

HehesitatedamomentandthenaskedifIhadfunds.Ifnot——

IthankedhimandsaidthatIhadmadeprovision.

``Then,""saidhe,``gotoBarbary,DonJayme!AnintelligentandprudentmanmayprosperatErcillaoratFez.

Ifyoumuststudy,studythere.""

``Youalsostudy,""Isaid.

``Infairtroddenhighways——neverinthickforestandmerefog!""heanswered.``NowifyouwerelikeonewhohasbeenhereandisnowbeforeGranada,atSantaFe,sentforthitherbytheQueen!ThatonehathindeedstudiedtobenefitSpain——Spain,Christendom,andtheworld!""

Iaskedwhowasthatgreatone,butbeforehecouldtellmecameinterruption.Avisitorentered,astrong-lipped,bold-eyedmannamedMartinPinzon.Iwastomeethimagainandoften,butatthistimeIdidnotknowthat.FrayJuanPerezevidentlydesiringthatIshouldgo,Ithoughtitrighttoobligehimwhowouldhavedonemekindnesshadheknownhow.IwentwithoutintimatewordofpartingandafteronlyacasualstarefromMartinPinzon.

Butwithout,mykinsmancameafterme.``Iwanttosay,DonJayme,thatifIamaskedfortestimonyIshallholdtoitthatyouareasgoodChristianasany——""

Itwaskinsman"spartandallthattrulyIcouldhavehopedfor,andItoldhimso.Aboutuswasquiet,vacantcloister,andwepartedmorewarmlythanwehaddonewithin.

ThewhiteconventofLaRabidaissetonaheadlandamongvineyardsandpinetrees.Itregardstheoceanand,afar,themountainsofPortugal,andbelowitrunsasmallriver,goingouttoseathroughsandswiththeTintoandtheOdiel.Againthedaywasgrayandthepinetreessighing.

Theporterletmeoutatgate.

IwalkedbacktowardPalosthroughthesandyways.I

didnotwishtogotoAfrica.

ItismybeliefthatthatlargerSelfwhomtheywillcallprotectingSaintorheavenlyGuardiantakeshandinaffairsoftenerthanwethink!LeavingthePalosroad,IwenttotheseaasIhaddoneyesterdayandagainsatunderheapedsandwithaboutmeaseregrassthroughwhichthewindwhined.Atfirstitwhinedandthenitsanginathin,outlandishvoice.Sittingthus,ImighthavelookedtowardAfrica,butIknewnowthatIwasnotgoingtoAfrica.

Often,perhaps,intheunrememberedpastIhadbeeninAfrica;often,doubtless,inagestocomeitssoilwouldbeundermyfoot,butnowIwasnotgoingthere!To-dayI

lookedwestwardoverRiver-Ocean,unknowntoourfathersandunknowntoourselves.Itwasunknownasthefutureoftheworld.

Oceanpiledbeforeme.FromwhereIlayitseemedtorunuphilltoonepaleline,norbluenorwhite,setbeneaththesolidgray.Overthathilltop,what?Onlyotherhillsandplains,water,endlesslywater,untilthewaves,somuchmightierthanwavesofthatblueseaweknewbest,shouldbeatatlastagainstAsiashore!Sohigh,sodeep,sovast,soreal,yetsoempty-seemingsaveforstrangedangers!Nosailsoverthehilltop;nosailsinallthatVastsavecloseathandwheremarinersheldtotheskirtsofMother.Europe.

Oceanvast,Oceanblack,Oceanunknown.Yetthere,too,lifeandtheknowingofliferansomehowcontinuous.

Itwiledmefrommysmallerself.Howhadweallsuffered,wethewholeearth!Butweweremoving,wetheworldwithnoneleftout,movingtowardThatwhichheldworlds,whichwasconsciousaboveworlds.Longthejourney,longtheadventure,butitwasnotworthwhilefearing,itwasnotworthwhilewhining!IwasnotaloneJaymedeMarchena,norJuanLepe,northisnamenorthatnortheother.

Therewasnowagreatspaceofquietinmymind.SuddenlyformedtherethefaceandfigureofDonEnriquedeCerdawhoselifeIhadhadthegoodhaptosave.HewasfarawaywiththeQueenandKingwhobeleagueredGranada.

Ihadnotseenhimfortenyears.Amomentbeforehehadrestedamongthehostoffiguresintheunevenlylightedlandofmemory.Nowhestoodforthplainlyandseemedtosmile.

Itooktheleading.WiththeinnereyeIhaveseenlinesoflightlikesubtleshiningcordsrunningbetweenpersons.

SuchathreadstretchednowbetweenmeandEnriquedeCerda.Ideterminedtomakemyway,asJuanLepe,throughthemountainsandovertheplainofGranadatoSantaFe.

CHAPTERII

SETwilltoanendandpromptlyeyesopentomeans!

IdidnotstartforGranadafromPalosbutfromHuelva,andIquittedAndalusiaasaporterinasmallmerchanttraincarryinggoodsofsortstoZarafathatwasamountaintowntakenfromtheMoorsfiveyearsback.I

wastothesefolkJuanLepe,astrong,middle-agedmanusedtoshipsbutnowforsomereasontiredofthem.Mymerchantshadonlyeyesforthesafetyoftheirpersonsandtheirbales,plungedthethirddayintomountainouswildcountryechoingandghastlywithlong-lastingwar.Theirservantsandmuleteerswalkedandrode,lamentedorweregay,raisedfaction,swore,laughed,traveledgrimlyorinadullmelancholyormirthfully;quarreledandmadepeace,turnbyturn,daybyday,muchalike.Onewhowasabullyfixedaquarreluponmeandanothertookmypart.

Allleapedtosides.Iwasforgotteninthemidstofthem;

theycouldhardlyhavetoldnowwhatwasthecauseofbattle.

Ayoungmerchantrodebacktochideandsettlematters.

AtlastsomeonerememberedthatDiegohadstruckJuanLepewhohadflunghimoff.ThenTomasohadsprunginandstruckDiego.ThenMiguel——``LetJuanLepealone!""saidmymerchant.``Fie!apoorPalosseafaringchild,andyougreatHuelvamen!""Theylaughedatthat,andthestormvanishedasithadcome.

Ilikedtheyoungman.

Howwildandwithoutlaw,save``Holdifyoucan!""

werethesemountains!""Holdifyoucantolife——holdifyoucantoknowledge——holdifyoucantojoy!""Blackcliffoverhungblackglenandweknewthereweredensofrobbers.Farandnearviolencefallslikeblacksnow.Thismerchantbandgatheredtosleepunderoakswithagreatrockatourback.Wehadjourneyers"supperandfire,foritwascold,coldintheseheights.Alittlewinewasgivenandmenfelltosleepbytheheapedbales;horses,assesandmulesbeingfastenedcloseunderthecrag.Threemenwatched,toberelievedinmiddlenightbyotherthreewhonowslept.AmuleteernamedRodrigoandJuanLepeandtheyoungmerchanttookthefirstturn.Thefirsttwosatononesideofthefireandtheyoungmerchantontheother.

Themuleteerremainedsunkeninagreatcloak,hischinonhisarmsfoldeduponhisknees,andwhathesawinthelandwithinIcannottell.Buttheyoungmerchantwasofaquickdispositionandpresentlymusttalk.Forsomedistancearoundusspreadbareearthsetonlywithshrubsandstones.

Alsotherisingmoongavelight,andwiththatandourownstrengthwedidnottrulylookforanyattack.Wesatandtalkedatease,thoughwithloweredvoices,Rodrigosomewhereawayandtherestofthepicturesleeping.Themerchantaskedwhathadbeenmylastvoyage.

Ianswered,afteramoment,toEngland.

``Youdonotseemtome,""hesaid,``aseaman.ButI

supposethereareallkindsofseamen.""

Isaidyes,theseawaswide.

``Englandnow,atthepresentmoment?""hesaid,andquestionedmeastoBristol,ofwhichporthehadtrader"sknowledge.IansweredoutofabookIhadread.Itwastruethat,livingoncebythesea,Iknewhowtohandleaboat.Icouldfindinmemorysailors"terms.Butstillhesaid,``YouarenotaseamansuchasweseeatPalosandSanLucar.""

Itisoftenbestnottohaltdenial.Letitpassbyandwanderamongthewildgrasses!

``Imyself,""hesaidpresently,``havegonebyseatoVigoandtoBordeaux.""Hewarmedhishandsatthefire,thenclaspedthemabouthiskneesandgazedintothenight.

``What,JuanLepe,isthatOceanwelookuponwhenwelookwest?Imean,wheredoesitgo?Whatdoesitstrike?""

``India,belike.AndCathay.To-dayallmenbelievetheearthtoberound.""

``Alongway!""hesaid.``OSanctaMaria!Allthatwater!""

``Wedonothavetodrinkit.""

Helaughed.``No!Norsailit.ButafterIhadbeenonthatvoyageIcouldseeusalwayslikemicerunningclosetoawall,foreverandforever!JuanLepe,wearelittleandtimid!""

Ilikedhisspirit.``Onedayweshallbelionsandeaglesandboldprophets!ThenourtongueshalltastemuchbesideIndiaandCathay!""

``Well,Ihopeit,""hesaid.``Micerunningundertheheadlands.""

Hefellsilent,cherishinghiskneesandstaringintothefire.ItwasnotJuanLepe"splacetotalkwhenmastermerchanttalkednot.I,too,regardedthefire,andtheherdedmountainsrobedinnight,andthehalf-moonlikeasailrisingfromaninvisibleboat.

Thenightwentpeacefullyby.Itwasfollowedbyahardday"stravelandtheincidentoftheroad.AteveningwesawthewallsofZarafainasunsetglory.Themerchantsandtheirtrainpassedthroughthegateandfoundtheircustomaryinn.Withothers,JuanLepeworkedhard,unladingandstoring.Alldone,heandthebullysleptalmostineachother"sarms,underthearchesofthecourt,dreamlessly.

Thenextdayandthenextwerestilldaysoflabor.ItwasnotuntilthethirdthatJuanLepeconsideredthathemightnowabsenthimselfandthereberaisednohueandcryafterstrongshoulders.Hehadearnedhisquittance,andinthenighttime,uponhishandsandknees,hecreptfromthesleepersinthecourt.Justbeforedawntheinngateswungopen.Hehadbeenwaitingclosetoit,andhepassedoutnoiselessly.

Inthetwodays,carryinggoodsthroughstreetstomarketsquareanduptocitadelandpausingatvaryinglevelsforbreathandtheprospect,Ihadlearnedthistownwellenough.Iknewwherewenttheascendinganddescendingways.Nowalmostalllayasleep,antique,shaded,Moorish,still,underthestars.Thesoldieryandthehidalgos,theirofficers,slept;onlythesentinelswakedbeforethecitadelentryandonthetownwallsandbythethreegates.Thetownfolkslept,allbutthesickandthesorrowfulandthecarefulandthosewhohadworkatdawn.Listen,andyoumighthearsoundlikethefirstmovingofbirds,orbreathofdawnwindcomingupatsea.ThegreaterpartnowofthetownfolkwereChristian,broughtinsincethefive-year-

gonesiegethatstillresounded.Moorswerehere,buttheyhadturnedChristian,orwereslaves,orbothslaveandChristian.Ihadseenmonksofallhabitsandheardringabovetheinnthebellsofanunnery.Nowagaintheyrang.Themosquewasnowachurch.Itroseathand,——

white,square,domed.Iwentbyaladder-likelanedowntowardZarafawallandtheGateoftheLion.Atsunriseinwouldpourpeasantsfromthevalebelow,bringingvegetablesandpoultry,andmountaineerswithquailsandconies,andotherswithdiversaffairs.Outgoingwouldbethosewhotilledafewsteepgardensbeyondthewall,messengersanderrandfolk,soldiersandtradersforthearmybeforeGranada.

ItwasfullearlywhenIcametothewall.Icouldmakeouttheheavyandtallarchwayofthegate,butasyetwasnothrongbeforeit.Iwaited;thefolkbegantogather,thesuncameup.Zarafagrewrosy.Nowwasclatterenough,voicesofmenandbrutes,bothsidesthegate.Thegateopened.JuanLepewonoutwithaknotofbrawnyfolkgoingtothemountainpastures.Wellforth,helookedbackandsawZarafagleamingroseandpearlintheblinkofthesun,andsentyoungmerchantwardawishforgood.Thenhetooktheeastwardwaydownthemountain,towardlowermountainsandatlasttheVegaofGranada.

CHAPTERIII

THEdaypassed.Ihadadventuresoftheroad,butnoneofconsequence.Isleptwellamongtherocks,waked,atethebitofbreadIhadwithme,andfellagaintowalking.

Mountainswerenowwithdrawingtothedistanthorizonwheretheystoodaround,amightyandbeautifulwall.I

wascomingdownintotheplainofGranada,thatoncehadbeenagarden.Now,north,south,east,west,itlaywar-

trampled.Oldownersweredead,menandwomen,orwere_mudexares_,vassals,orwerefled,menandwomen,allwhocouldflee,totheirkindredinAfrica.Ortheyyetcowered,menandwomen,inthebrokengarden,awaitingindividualdisaster.TheKingdomofGranadahadsins,andtheKingdomofCastile,andtheKingdomofLeon.TheMoorwasstained,andtheSpaniard,theMoslemandtheChristianandtheJew.WhohadstainstheleastorthemostGodknew——anditwasapoorinquiry.Seekthevirtuesandbindthemwithlove,eachineach!

Ifthemountainroadhadbeenlargelysolitary,itwasnotsoofthisroad.TherewerefolkenoughinthewideVegaofGranada.Clearly,asthoughtheonepartyhadbeendressedinblackandtheotherinred,theydividedintovanquishedandvictor.Bitbybit,nowthroughyears,allthesetownsandvillages,allthesefertilefieldsandboskyplaces,richandsinging,hadleftthehandoftheMoorforthehandoftheSpaniard.

InallthispartofhisoldkingdomtheMoorlaylowindefeat.InhadswarmedtheChristianandwiththeChristiantheJew,thoughnowtheJewmustleave.ThecityofGranadawasnotyetsurrendered,andtheQueenandKingheldallsoldierythattheymightatSantaFe,builtasitwereinanightbeforeGranadawalls.Yetthereseemedatlargebandsenough,licentiousandloud,thescumofsoldiery.EreIreachedthevillagethatInowsawbeforemeIhadmettwosuchbands,Iwondered,andthenwonderedatmyownwonder.

Thechiefhouseofthevillagewasbecomeaninn.Twolongtablesstoodinthepatiowherenofountainnowflowednororangetreesgrewnorbirdssangincornersnorfineawningkeptawaytheglare.Twentyofthesewildandbasefightingmencrowdedonetable,eatinganddrinking,clamorousandspoutingoaths.Attheothertablesattogetheratanendthreemenwhombyanumberoftokensmightberobbersofthemountains.Theysatquiet,indifferenttothenoise,talkinglowamongthemselvesinatongueoftheirown,kinenoughtothesoldierynottofearthem.TheoppositeendofthelongtablewasgiventoagrouptowhichInowjoinedmyself.HeresattwoFranciscanfriars,andamanwhoseemedalawyer;andonewhohadtheairoftheseaandturnedouttobemasterofaLevantine;andabrisk,talkative,importantperson,aCatalan,andasitpresentlyappearedalcaldeonceofaso-sovillage;andayoung,unhealthy-lookingmaninblackwithanopenbookbesidehim;andastrangefellowwhoseSpanishwasimperfect.

Isatdownnearthefriars,crossedmyself,andcutapieceofbreadfromtheloafbeforeme.Theinnkeeperandhiswife,agaunt,extraordinarilytallwoman,served,runningfromtabletotable.Theplacewasallheatandnoise.

Presentlythesoldiers,endingtheirmeal,gotupwithclamorandsurgedfromthecourttotheirwaitinghorses.Afterthemrantheinnkeeper,appealingforpay.Denials,expostulation,angerandbeseechingreachedtheearsofthepatio,thenthesoundofhorsesgoingdownstonyways.``OGodofthepoor!""criedthegauntwoman.``Howarewerobbed!""

``WhyaretheynotbeforeGranada?""demandedthelawyerandalertlyprovidedtheanswertohisownquestion.

``Takelocustsandgivethemleavetoeat,beingcarefultosay,`Thisfellow"sfieldsonly!"Butthelocustshavewingsandtheirnatureistoeat!""

Themountainrobbers,ifrobberstheywere,dinedquietly,thegauntwomanpromptlyandpainstakinglyservingthem.

Theyweregoingtopay,Iwassure,thoughitmightnotbethisnoon.

Thetwofriarsseemed,quiet,simplemen,diningasdumblyasiftheysatinSaintFrancis"srefectory.Thesometimealcaldeandtheshipmasterwerethetalkers,thestudentsittingasthoughhewereinthedesert,eatingbreadandcheeseandonionsandlookingonhisbook.Thelawyerwatchedall,talkedtomakethemtalk,thencameinandsettledmatters.Thealcaldewasthepolitician,knowingtheaffairsoftheworldandspeakingfamiliarlyoftheKingandtheQueenandtheMarquisofCadiz.

Theshipmastersaid,``ThistimelastyearIwasinLondon,andIsawtheirKing.HisnameisHenry.KingHenrytheSeventh,andagoodcarrierofhiskingship!""

``Thatforhim!""saidthealcalde.``Lethimstayinhisfoggyisland!ButSpainistoosmallforKingFerdinand.""

``Allkingsfindtheirlandstoosmall,""saidthelawyer.

Theshipmasterspokeagain.``TheKingofPortugal"sshipsailsaheadofoursinthatmatter.He"sstuckhisbannerinthenewislands,MaderiaandtheHawkIslandsandwherenot!IwastalkinginCadizwithonewhowaswithBartholomewDiazwhenheturnedAfricaandnameditGoodHope.Whichistosay,KingJohnhasGoodHopeofseeingPortugalswell.Portugal!Well,Isay,`WhynotSpain"?""

Thestudentlookedupfromhisbook.``ItisagreatAge!""hesaidandreturnedtohisreading.

Whenwehadfinisheddinner,wepaidthetall,gauntwomanandleavingtherobbers,ifrobberstheywere,stillattable,wentoutintothestreet.Herethefriars,thealcaldeandthelawyermovedinthedirectionofthesmall,staringwhiteandruinedmosquethatwastobetransformedintothechurchofSanJagotheDeliverer.Thatwastheonethingofwhichthefriarshadspoken.Alongbenchranbyinnwallandheretheshipmastertookhisseatandbegantodiscoursewiththosealreadythere.Bookunderarm,thestudentmoveddreamilydowntheoppositelane.JuanLepewalkedawayalone.

Throughtheremainderofthisdayhehadnowcompanyandadventurewithout,nowsolitudeandadventurewithin.

Thatnighthespentinaruinedtowerwhereyoungtreesgrewandanowlwashiscomradeandhereadthefaceofagloriousmoon.Dawn.Hebathedinastreamthatranbythemoundofthetowerandateapieceofbreadfromhiswalletandtooktheroad.

Thesunmountedabovethetrees.Amanuponamulecameupbehindmeandwaspassing.``Thereisastonewedgedinhisshoe,""Isaid.TheriderdrewreinandI

liftedthecreature"sforelegandtookoutthepebble.Theridermadesearchforabitofmoney.Isaidthatthedeedwasshortandeasyandneedednopayment,whereuponheputupthecoinandregardedmeoutofhisfineblueeyes.

Hewasquitefair,ayoungmanstill,anddressedafteramannerofhisowningarmentsnotatallnewbutwithabeautyoffashioningandputtingon.Heandhismulelookedacorneroutofagreatpainting.AndIhadnosoonerthoughtthatthanhesaid,``Iseeinyou,friend,afaceandfigureformy`DraughtofFishes."AndbySaintChristopher,thereiswateroveryonderandjustthelandscape!""

Heleanedfromthesaddleandspokepersuasively,``Comefromtheroadabitdowntothewaterandletmedrawyou!YouarenotdressedlikethekinofMidas!I

willgiveyouthepriceofdinner.""Ashetalkedhedrewoutofarichlyworkedbagabookofpaperandpencils.

Ithought,``ThisbeardandtheclothesofJuanLepe.Hecanhardlymakeitsothatanymayrecognize.""Itwasrestingtimeandthemanattracted.Iagreed,ifhewouldtakenomorethananhour.

``Thedrawing,no!——Bentfarover,gatheringthenetstrongly——AndreworMarkperhaps,since,traditionally,Johnmusthaveyouth.""

Hehadcontinuedtostudymeallthistime,andnowwelefttheroadandmovedovertheplaintothestreamthatherewidenedintoapoolfringedwithrushesandafewtwistedtrees.Anancient,half-sunkenboatdrowsingunderthebankhehailedagaininthenameofSaintChristopher.

Dismounting,hefastenedhismuletoawillowandproceededtoplaceme,thenhimselffoundarootofatree,andtakingouthisknifefelltosharpeningpencil.Thisdone,herestedbookagainstkneeandbegantodraw.

Havingmadehisfigureinonepostureheroseandshowedmeanotheranddrewhisfishermanso.Thenhedemonstratedathirdwayanddrewagain.Nowhewassilent,workinghard,andnowhedroppedhishand,threwbackhisheadandtalked.Hehimselfmadeapicture,palygoldoflocks,subtleandquickofface,plasteredagainstablueshieldwithawillowwreathgoingaround.

Istoodsoorso,drawingharduponthenetwiththefishes.ThenathiscommandIapproachedmorenearly,andhedrewfullfaceandthree-quarterandprofile.Itwasbetweentheseaccomplishingsthathetalkedmoreintimately.

``SeamengotoItaly,""hesaid.``WereyoueverinMilan?Butthatisinland.""

IansweredthatIhadbeenfromGenoatoMilan.

``ItisnotlikelythatyousawagreatpainterthereMesserLeonardo?""

IthappenedthatIhaddonethis,andmoreoverhadseenhimatworkandheardhimputrightthoughtintomostrightwords.IwassotiredoflyingthatafteramomentIsaidthatIhadseenandheardMesserLeonardo.

``Didyouseethestatue?""

``ThefirsttimeIsawhimhewasatworkuponit.ThenexttimehewaspaintinginthechurchofSantaMaria.

Thethirdtimehesatinagarden,sippedwineandtalked.""

``Iholdyou,""hesaid,``tobeafortunatefisherman!

JustasthisfisherIampainting,andwhetheritisAndreworMark,Idonotyetknow,wasamostfortunatefisherman!""

Heendedmeditatively,``Thoughwhoeveritis,probablyhewascrucifiedorbeheadedorburned.""

Ifeltacertainshiverofpremonition.Thedaythathadbeenwarmandbrightturnedinaflashashyandchill.Thenitswungbacktoitsfirstfairseeming,ornottoitsfirst,buttoadeeper,brighteryet.TheFishermanbyGalileewasfortunate.Whoeverperceivedtruthandbeautywasfortunate,fortunatenowandforever!

WecamebacktoMesserLeonardo.``IspentsixmonthsatthecourtinMilan,""saidthefairman.``IpaintedtheDukeandtheDuchessandtwogreatcourtiers.MesserLeonardowasaway.Hereturned,andIvisitedhimandfoundamaster.SincethattimeIstudylightandshadowandsmallthingsandseekoutinneraction.""

Heworkedinsilence,thenagainbegantospeakofpainters,ItalianandSpanish.HeaskedmeifIhadseensuchandsuchpicturesinSeville.

``Yes.Theyaregood.""

``DoyouknowMonsalvat?""

IsaidthatIhadclimbedthereoneday.``Idreamapainting!""

hesaid,``TheQuestoftheGrail.NowIseeitrunningoverthefourwallsofachurch,andnowIseeitallpackedintoonemanwhorides.Thenagainithasseemedtometruertohaveitinamanandwomanwhowalk,orperhapsevenareseated.Whatdoyouthink?""

IwasthinkingofIsabelwhodiedinmyarmstwentyyearsago.``Iwouldhaveitmanandwoman,""Isaid.

Unless,likeMesserLeonardo,youcanputbothinone.""

Hesatstill,hismindworking,whileinafairinnerlandIsabelandImovedtogether;theninameditativequiethefinishedhisdrawing.Hehimselfwasadmirable,finegoldandbronze,sapphire-eyed,withafacewherestreamsofvisionsmovedthemuscles,andallagainsttheblueandthewillowtree.

Atlastheputawaypencil,andathisgestureIcamefromtheboatandthereeds.Ilookedatwhathehaddrawn,andthenheshutbookand,themulefollowingus,wemovedbacktotheroad.

``Mydearfisherman,""hesaid,``youaretrudgingafootandyourdressexhibitspoverty.PaintersmaypaintJovedescendinginshowersofgoldenpesosandyethavefewpesosinpurse.Ihaveatpresentten.Ishouldliketosharethemwithyouwhohavedonemevariousgoodturnsto-day.""

Isaidthathewasgenerousbutthathehaddonemegoodturns.MoreoverIwasnotutterlywithoutcoin,andcertainlythehourhadpaidforitself.Sohemountedhismuleandwishedmegoodfortune,andIwishedhimgoodfortune.

``AreyougoingtoSantaFe?""

``Yes.Ihaveafriendinthecamp.""

``IgotheretopaintherHighnesstheQueenforhisHighnesstheKing.Perhapsweshallmeetagain.IamManuelRodriguez.""

``Iguessedthat,""Ianswered,``anhourago!Besogood,greatpainter,asnottorememberme.Itwillservemebetter.""

Thelightplayedagainoverhisface.``_TheDisguisedHidalgo_.Excellentpicturescometomelikethat,inagreatwarmlight,andexcellentnamesforpictures——Verygood.

Inaway,sotospeak,Ishallcompletelyforgetyou!""

Twoonhorseback,achurchmanandaknight,withservantsfollowing,camearoundabendofthedustyroadandrecognizingManuelRodriguez,calledtohimbyname.

Awayherodeuponhismule,keepingcompanywiththem.

Thedozenintheirtrainfollowed,raisingastheywentbysuchadustcloudthatpresentlyallbecamelikefiguresuponwornarras.TheyrodetowardSantaFe,andIfollowedonfoot.

CHAPTERIV

SANTAFerosebeforeme,acampinwood,plasterandstone,acampwithapalace,acampwithchurches.

Builtofapiecewherenotownhadstood,builtthatMajestyanditsCourtanditsArmymighthaveroofsandwalls,nottents,forsolongasiege,itcoveredtheplain,acityraisedinanight.Thesiegehadbeenlongasthewarhadbeenlong.HidalgoSpainandsimpleSpainweregatheredhereingreatsquaresandribbonsofvalor,ambition,emulation,desireofexcitementandoflivelihood,andlikewise,Isayit,inpiecesnotsmall,herdedandbroughtherewithoutany``Isayyes""oftheirown,andtotheirmisery.

Thereheldfullflavorofcrusade,asallalongthewarhadbeenpreachedasacrusade.HolyChurchhadhereherowngrandees,cavaliersandfootmen.Theyworecopeandtheyworecowl,andonoccasionmanyenduedthemselveswitharmorandhackedandhewedwithanearthlysword.

Attimesthereseemedasmanyfriarsandpriestsassoldiers.

OutandinwentagreatQueenandKing.Theircourtwashere.ThechurchmenpressedaroundtheQueen.FamousleadersputonortookoffarmorinSantaFe,——theMarquisofCadizandmanyothersonlylessthanheinestimation,andoneDonGonsalvodeCordova,whosegreaterfamewasyettocome.Militaryandshiningyouthcametotrainandfightunderthese.Oldcaptains-at-arms,gauntandscarred,madetheirwaythitherfromafar.AllwerenotSpaniard;manyasoldieroutatfortuneorwishfuloffamecamefromFranceandItaly,evenfromEnglandandGermany.

WomenwereinSantaFe.TheQueenhadherladies.Wives,sistersanddaughtersofhidalgoscametovisit,andthecommonsoldieryhadtheirmates.Nordidtherelackcourtesans.

Pettymerchantsthrongedtheplace.Allmannerofrichgoodswereboughtbytheflushedsoldiers,thehighandthelow.Andtheredwelledhereahostofthosewhosoldentertainment,——mummersandjugglersandsingers,dwarfsandgiants.Dicerattled,nowtherewerecastanetsanddancing,andnowchurchbellsseemedtorocktheplace.

Wineflowed.

OutoftheplainaleagueandmoreawaysprangthetwohillsofGranada,andprickedagainstthesky,herwallsandthousandtowersandnoblegates.BetweenthemandSantaFestretchedopenandruinedground,andhereformanyadayhadshockedtogethertheSpaniardandtheMoor.Butnowtherewasnolongerbattle.Granadahadaskedandbeengrantedseventydaysinwhichtoenvisageandacceptherfate.Thesewerenearingtheend.Lostandbeaten,haggardwithwoeandhungerandpestilence,thecitystoodoveragainstus,abovethenakedplain,allheroutergardensstrippedaway,barelightstrikingtheredAlhambraandtheCitadel.WhenthewindsweptoverherandontoSantaFeitseemedtobringasoundofwailingandthefaintandterribleodorofalongbesiegedplace.

IcameateveintoSantaFe,foundatlastaninnofthepoorersort,atescantsupperandwenttobed.Dawncamewithagreatringingofchurchbells.

Outoftheinn,inthethrobbingstreet,IbeganmysearchforDonEnriquedeCerda.Onetoldmeonethingandoneanother,butatlastIgottruedirection.AtnoonIfoundhiminagoodlyroomwherebemaderecoveryfromwounds.

Nowhewalkedandnowhesat,hisarminaslingandabandagelikeaturbanaroundhishead.ApagetookhimthewordIgave.``JuanLepe.Fromthehermitageintheoakwood.""Itsufficed.WhenIenteredhegazed,thencomingtome,puthisunboundhandovermine.``Why,""

heasked,```JuanLepe"?""

Iglancedtowardthepageandhedismissedhim,whereuponIexplainedthecircumstances.

Wesatbythewindow,andagainroseforusthehermitageintheoakwoodatfootofamountain,andthesmalltowerthatslewinuglyfashion.Againwewereyoungmen,togetherinstrangedangers,learningthereeachother"smettle.Hehadnotatallforgotten.

HeofferedtogotoSeville,assoonasGranadashouldfall,andfindandfightDonPedro.Ishookmyhead.I

couldhavedonethathadIseenitastheway.""

HeagreedthatDonPedrowasnowtheminorperil.Itiseviltochainthought!Inourdaywethinkboldlyofanumberofthings.ButtouchKingortouchChurch——thecordisaroundyourneck!""

IsaidthatIsupposedIhadbeenrash.

Henodded.``Yes.Youwererashthatdayintheoakwood.Lessrash,andmyboneswouldbelyingthere,undertree.""Heroseandwalkedtheroom,thencametomeandputhisunhurtarmaboutmyshoulders.``DonJayme,wesworethatdaycomradeloveandservice——andthatdayisnow;twilighthasnevercometoit,theleavesoftheoakwoodhaveneverfallen!TheHolyOfficeshallnothavethee!""

``DonEnrique——""

Wesatdownanddrankeachalittlewine,andfelltowaysandmeans.