An Interlude - 3
In the assumption of Columbus and his contemporaries all these doings were held to
detract from the glory of his own achievements, and were the subject of endless
affidavits, depositions, quarrels, arguments, proofs and claims in the great lawsuit that
was in after years carried on between the Crown of Spain and the heirs of Columbus
concerning his titles and revenues. We, however, may take a different view. With the
exception of the discoveries of the Cape of Good Hope and the coast of Brazil all these
enterprises were directly traceable to Columbus's own achievements and were inspired by
his example. The things that a man can do in his own person are limited by the laws of
time and space; it is only example and influence that are infinite and illimitable, and in
which the spirit of any achievement can find true immortality.
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