He first tried his own countrymen at Genoa, but found none ready to help him.

He then went to Portugal, and submitted his project to John II., who laid it before his council.
It was scouted as extravagant and chimerical.

Nevertheless, the king endeavored to steal Columbus's idea.

A fleet was sent forth in the direction indicated by the navigator, but, being frustrated by storms and winds, it returned to Lisbon after four days' voyaging.
Columbus returned to Genoa, and again renewed his propositions to the Republic, but without success.

Nothing discouraged him.