Ere this was found, the ruling power of all Found for our use an ocean in the land, Its breadth so small we could not wander long, Nor long be absent from the neighboring strand. Short was the course, and guided by the stars, But stars no more shall point our daring way; The Bear shall sink, and every guard be drown'd, And great Arcturus scarce escape the sea, When southward we shall steer--O grant my wish, Supply the barque, and bid Columbus sail, He dreads no tempests on the untravell'd deep, Reason shall steer, and skill disarm the gale. PHILIP FRENEAU. Early in 1491 the council of Salamanca reported that the proposed enterprise was vain and impossible of execution, and Ferdinand accepted the decision. Indignant at thought of the years he had wasted, Columbus started for Paris, to lay his plan before the King of France. He was accompanied by his son, Diego, and stopped one night at the convent of La Rabida, near Palos, to ask for food and shelter. The prior, Juan Perez de Marchena, became interested in his project, detained him, and finally secured for him another audience of Isabella. COLUMBUS AT THE CONVENT [July, 1491] Dreary and brown the night comes down, Gloomy, without a star. On Palos town the night comes down; The day departs with a stormy frown; The sad sea moans afar. A convent-gate is near; 'tis late; Ting-ling! the bell they ring. They ring the bell, they ask for bread-- "Just for my child," the father said. Kind hands the bread will bring. White was his hair, his mien was fair, His look was calm and great. The porter ran and called a friar; The friar made haste and told the prior; The prior came to the gate. He took them in, he gave them food; The traveller's dreams he heard; And fast the midnight moments flew, And fast the good man's wonder grew, And all his heart was stirred. The child the while, with soft, sweet smile Forgetful of all sorrow, Lay soundly sleeping in his bed. The good man kissed him then, and said: "You leave us not to-morrow! "I pray you rest the convent's guest; The child shall be our own-- A precious care, while you prepare Your business with the court, and bear Your message to the throne." And so his guest he comforted. O wise, good prior! to you, Who cheered the stranger's darkest days, And helped him on his way, what praise And gratitude are due! JOHN T. TROWBRIDGE.