"It is eighteen years since in Lisbon, looking upon the sea one day, I said to myself, 'Is there a question that is not to be answered?
This ocean is to be crossed.

Then why do not I cross it?
There is Cipango, Cathay and India! Gold and spices are there, and here lie ships, and between, when all is said, is only sea! God made the sea to be sailed! Yonder they worship idols, here we worship Christ.

There are idols, here is Christ.

Once a Christopherus carried Christ across water!' Eighteen years ago.

I said, 'I can do it!' I say it to-day, my lord and my lady.