Page:History of Columbus (2).pdf/2



, the celebrated navigator, and first discoverer of America, was a native of Genoa. Neither the time nor place of his birth is known with certainty; only he was descended of an honourable family, who, by various misfortunes, had been reduced to indigence. His parents were sea-faring people; and Columbus having discovered, in his early youth, a capacity and inclination for that way of life, was encouraged by them to follow the same profession. At the age of fourteen, he went to sea: his first voyages were to those parts in the Mediterranean frequented by the Genoese; after which he took a voyage to Iceland; and proceeding still further north, advanced several degrees within the polar circle. After this, Columbus entered into the service of a famous sea-captain of his own name and family. This man commanded a small squadron, fitted out at his own expense; and by cruising, sometimes against the Mahometans, and sometimes against the Venetians, the rivals of his country in trade, had acquired wealth and reputation. With him, Columbus continued for several years, no less distinguished for his courage than his experience as a sailor. At