And so, prostrated by sickness, nearly ruined in means, and now hopeless of encouragement from the Sovereigns, the discoverer of the New World arrived at Seville, on the 7th of November, 1504, in as miserable a plight as his worst enemy could have wished.
He could scarcely expect to be received with much favour at court.

He had failed in the search for that strait leading to the kingdom of the Grand Khan, the discovery of which had been the special object of his expedition; he had lost his ships; he had brought home wonderful stories of golden lands, but no gold.

Porras[26] was at large, and had influence at court, which enabled him to stimulate the existing prejudice against Columbus.
[Footnote 26: It seems just possible that, as the original narrative of the mutiny of Porras was written by Fernando Columbus, who would naturally take his father's side, something is to be said for Porras which has not been said for him by historians.] DEATH OF THE QUEEN.
Poor, old, infirm, he had now to receive intelligence which was to deepen all his evils.

He remained at Seville, too unwell to make a journey himself, but sent his son Diego to court, to manage his affairs for him.
The complaints of the admiral, that he had no news from court, are quite touching.

He says, he desires to hear news each hour.