Chapter IV: Canto I

ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST CANTO.

The Portugueze navigate the Eastern Seas: The Gods hold their
Council: Bacchus opposeth himself to this navigation: Venus and
Mars favour the navigators: They arrive at Mozambíque, the Governor
whereof attempteth to destroy them: Encounter and first military
Action of our People with the Gentiles: They weigh anchor; and,
passing Quiloa, they ride in the roadstead of Mombasah.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_Fazem Councilio os deoses na alta Côrte,
Oppoem-se Baccho á Lusitana gente,
Favorece-a Venus, e Mavorte,
E em Moçambique lança o ferreo dente:
Depois de aqui mostrar seu braço forte,
Destruindo, e matando juntamente,
Torna as partes buscar da roxa Aurora,
E chegando a Mombaça surge fora._

The Gods hold council Heaven’s high court within, (20–41)
Bacchus our Lusian braves to thwart doth seek } (73–81)
Who meed of Mars, and grace of Venus gain, }
Till cast the ferreous tooth in Mozambíque:
Thence, when their arm of pow’r display’d had been, } (85)
Death and destruction on the foe to wreak; }
Fareth the fleet where red Aurora bideth;
And, reach’d Mombasah-town, outside it rideth. (103)