Chapter IV: Canto VIII

ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTH CANTO.

The Governor of Calecut seeth various pictures upon the banners of the Armada; and heareth the account of them given by Paul da Gama: Origin of the word “Lusitania”: Glorious feats of the Portugueze Kings (and of their Vassals) till the reign of King D. Afonso V.: The Samori ordereth the Haruspices to consult futurity respecting the Armada: They report to him evil of the Navigators: They attempt to destroy Da Gama who satisfieth the King in a notable speech.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_Vêm-se de Lusitania os Fundadores,
E aquelles, que por feitos valerosos,
De alta memoria são merecedores,
De hymnos, e de versos numerosos:
Como de Calecut os Regedores,
Consultam os Haruspices famosos,
E corruptos com dadivas possantes,
Tratam de destruir os navegantes._

Seen are the Founders of the Lusian race, }
And Braves whose valiant actions brightest shine, } (1–42)
On Mem’ory’s page deserving highest place, }
And tuneful hymn, and Poet’s numbered line: }
What way of Calecut the Regents base }
Consult the famous Augurs who design, } (43–end)
Bought with all-puissant bribes, to show their skill, }
And by their cunning the Discov’erers kill. }