Zitat des Tages von Christopher Columbus:
My desire was not to pass any island without taking possession, so that, one having been taken, the same may be said of all.
Riches don't make a man rich, they only make him busier.
I saw a boy of the crew purchasing javelins of them with bits of platters and broken glass.
Stood off and on during the night, determining not to come to anchor till morning, fearing to meet with shoals; continued our course in the morning; and as the island was found to be six or seven leagues distant, and the tide was against us, it was noon when we arrived there.
I am a most noteworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely. I have found the sweetest consolation since I made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvellous Presence.
I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown.
I found that part of it towards San Salvador extending from north to south five leagues, and the other side which we coasted along, ran from east to west more than ten leagues.
Their houses are all built in the shape of tents, with very high chimneys.
These people are very unskilled in arms... with 50 men they could all be subjected and made to do all that one wished.
Tomorrow morning before we depart, I intend to land and see what can be found in the neighborhood.
But in truth, should I meet with gold or spices in great quantity, I shall remain till I collect as much as possible, and for this purpose I am proceeding solely in quest of them.
Gold is a treasure, and he who possesses it does all he wishes to in this world, and succeeds in helping souls into paradise.
The Indians on board said that thence to Cuba was a voyage in their canoes of a day and a half; these being small dug-outs without a sail. Such are their canoes. I departed thence for Cuba, for by the signs the Indians made of its greatness, and of its gold and pearls, I thought that it must be Cipango.
Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.
By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.
Sailed this day nineteen leagues, and determined to count less than the true number, that the crew might not be dismayed if the voyage should prove long.
No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.
I ordered each man to be presented with something, as strings of ten or a dozen glass beads apiece, and thongs of leather, all which they estimated highly; those which came on board I directed should be fed with molasses.
The air soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was delicious to breathe it.
For this purpose I determined to keep an account of the voyage, and to write down punctually every thing we performed or saw from day to day, as will hereafter appear.
There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.
I believe that there are many herbs and many trees that are worth much in Europe for dyes and for medicines; but I do not know, and this causes me great sorrow. Arriving at this cape, I found the smell of the trees and flowers so delicious that it seemed the pleasantest thing in the world.