Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/317

Rh recovery, was a triumphal procession the whole chapter way. The roads were thronged with multitudes so numerous, that accommodations could scarcely be found for them in the towns on the route. For they came from the remotest parts of the country, all eager to catch a glimpse of the hero, whose name and exploits, the theme of story and of song, were familiar to the meanest peasant in Castile. In this way he made his entry into Burgos, amid the cheering acclamations of the people, and attended by a cortége of officers, who pompously displayed on their own persons, and the caparisons of their steeds, the rich spoils of Italian conquests. The old count of Urefia, his friend, who, with the whole court came out by Ferdinand's orders to receive him, exclaimed with a prophetic sigh, as he saw the splendid pageant come sweeping by, " This gallant ship, I fear, will require deeper water to ride in than she will find in Castile!"

Ferdinand showed his usual gracious manners in his reception of Gonsalvo. It was not long, however, before the latter found that this was all he was to expect. No allusion was made to the grand-mastership. When it was at length brought before the king, and he was reminded of his promises, he contrived to defer their performance under various pretexts ; until, at length, it became too apparent, that it was his intention to evade them altogether.