Chapter XIX: Canto VI

ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH CANTO.

Vasco Da Gama departeth from Melinde; and, while he voyageth prosperously, Bacchus descendeth to the sea: Description of Neptune’s Palace: The same (Bacchus) convoketh the Sea-gods and persuadeth them to destroy the Navigators: Meanwhile Velloso entertaineth his mates with the tale of the “Twelve of England”: An horrible storm ariseth: It is calmed by Venus and her Nymphs: At length they arrive in calm weather at Calecut, the last and longed-for bourne of this navigation.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_Parte-se de Melinde o illustre Gama,
Com Pilotos da terra, e mantimento:
Desce Lyeo ao mar Neptuno chama
Todos os deoses do humido elemento:
Conta Velloso, aos seus dando honra, e fama,
Dos doze de Inglaterra o vencimento;
Soccorre Venus a affligida armada,
E á India chega tanto desejada._

Illustrious Gama from Melindé saileth, }
With native Pilots and fresh nutriment; } (1–5)
Descends Lyæus seaward; Neptune haileth }
The Gods who rule the humid element: } (6–37)
Velloso, giving praise and honour, telleth }
Of th’ “English Twelve” the Tale of Tournament: } (38–69)
Succoureth Venus her long suff’ering Fleet (70–91)
And thus the wisht-for strand of Inde they greet. (92–end)