Queen Isabella I. Quotes in 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992)

Queen Isabella I.: [referring to Columbus' proposed expedition] The costs would be ruinous.

Sanchez: No more than the costs of two state banquettes.

Queen Isabella I.: [During her last audience with Columbus] I have looked for a reason why I should allow you to go back and although I've tried I couldn't find one. Help me find one.

Columbus: All my life I have dreamt of reaching the continent. I thought my dreams grandiose. But reality was beyond my expectations. Far beyond. And now I want to explore that land before I die.

Queen Isabella I.: I allow you to undertake another voyage. But without your brothers. Nor for you to return to Santo Domingo or any other colonies. The New World is a disaster.

Columbus: And the old one an achievement?

Queen Isabella I.: [after Columbus leaves] I know. I shouldn't tolerate his impertinence.

Sanchez: Then why?

Queen Isabella I.: Because he is not afraid of me.

Queen Isabella I.: Rise. Come forward. I should not even be listening to you since my council has said "no". But Santangel tells me you are a man of honor and sincerity. And Sanchez that you are not completely mad.

Columbus: No more than the woman who said she would take Granada from the Moors.

Queen Isabella I.: They believe the ocean to be uncrossable, signor Columbus.

Columbus: What did they say about Granada before today?

Queen Isabella I.: That it was impregnable.

Queen Isabella I.: I thought he was an idealist.

Duenna: Idealism and ambition are not incompatible.