Page:Lusitania illustrata- notices on the history, antiquities, literature, etc., of Portugal. Literary department. Part I. Selection of sonnets, with biographical sketches of the authors (IA lusitaniaillustr00adam 0).pdf/18

iv continuing to illustrate the Literature of Portugal. That intimation I received as a command, and I now venture to send this volume into the world, as the commencement of a series of publications, chiefly devoted to the purpose to which your Grace referred; but which, not being solely confined to the Literature, are intended to treat also of the History and Antiquities of that Kingdom and its possessions.

Distracted as Portugal has sometimes been by wars and revolutions, the most friendly relations have continued, with great constancy, to be maintained between that country and Great Britain; and this intercourse has been instrumental, although not to that extent which might be wished, in making her Literary Treasures known and appreciated amongst us. In times gone by we have had the Lusiad translated by Sir Richard Fanshaw, subsequently by Mr. Mickle, and in our days by Mr. Musgrave. We had also translations of some of her early Historians and Chroniclers, whilst in more modern times through the works of Mr. Murphy, Dr. Southey, Air. Kinsey and others,