Chapter XVI: Canto V

ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTH CANTO.

Vasco da Gama pursueth the recital of his voyage, and describeth to the King of Melinde his departure from Lisbon; the divers lands whereat they touched, and the peoples whom they saw as far as the Cape of Good Hope: The chance of Fernam Velloso: The tale of the giant Adamastor: Continuation of the voyage to Melinde, where the discourse endeth; peace and true friendship being established between the Gama and that King.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_Relata o Gama illustre ao Rei potente
Sua viagem longa, e incerta via,
As estranhas nações de Africa ardente,
E de Fernão Velloso a ousadia:
Como a Adamastor vio, Gigante ingente,
Que hum dos filhos da terra se dizia,
E as cousas que passou até seu porto
Onde repouso achou, e são conforto._

The famèd Gama tells the forceful King }
His long-drawn voyage, and uncertain road; } (1–30)
What couthless nations in hot Africk spring, }
And, eke, Fernam Velloso’s hardihood: (31–36)
How Adamastor, Giant menacing } (37–60)
They saw, who claimed to be of Terra’s brood; }
And other things that happened till was found } (61–end)
Haven of rest, with comfort safe and sound. }