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