Chapter X: Canto III

ARGUMENT OF THE THIRD CANTO.

The talk of Vasco da Gama with the King of Melinde, wherein he describeth Europe, and recounteth the origin of the kingdom of Portugal, its kings (including the King Dom Fernando) and its principal achievements: The notable feat of Egás Moníz: The Queen of Castile, Dona Maria, visiteth Portugal to crave aid for the Battle of the Salado: The loves and luckless fate of Dona Ignéz de Castro: Some events which befel the King Dom Fernando.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_A populosa Europa se descreve;
De Egas Moniz o feito sublimado,
Lusitania, que Reis, que guerras teve;
Christo a Afonso se expoem crucificado:
De Dona Ignez de Castro a pura neve
Em purpura converte o povo irado:
Mostra-se o vil descuido de Fernando,
E o grão poder de hum gesto suave, e brando._

Populous Europe passeth in review; (6–23)
Egás Moníz is praised for famous feat; (35–41)
What Kings and wars our Lusitania knew; (24–34)
Afonso sees the CHRIST on Cross elate; (42–46)
Agnes de Castro’s breast of snowy hue } (118–135)
With innocent blood empurpleth popular hate: }
Fernando’s vile neglect is shown to shame, } (138–143)
And the high pow’ers that youth and beauty claim. }