[_Enter_ JESTER _from gates._]

JESTER. With people a-walking on their heads--so!

[_Jester stands on his head; all laugh. Columbus goes, showing bitter
disappointment._]


SCENE II

TIME: _1492_.
PLACE: _Spain. Court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella_.

* * * * *

KING FERDINAND.
QUEEN ISABELLA.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
CAPTAIN RIVERRA.
WISE MEN.
COURTIERS AND LADIES.
A MONK, FATHER-CONFESSOR TO THE QUEEN.
MESSENGER.

* * * * *

[_Many_ COURTIERS _and_ LADIES _are seen in audience-room of palace; a
throne is in the background. Enter the_ FIRST COURTIER.]