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