Page:Os Lusíadas (Camões, tr. Burton, 1880), Volume 1.djvu/21



to custom, I begin with my translation of the Poem, and end with what usually comes first, the Commentary. This Introduction, now converted to a postscript, is necessary for the full comprehension of an Epic upwards of three centuries old. But, believing in the "liberty of foot-notes," I have appended a few, which will save many readers the mortification of consulting the conclusion.

The following synopsis of shows the raison d'etre of my commentary:—