Page:The Lusiad (Camões, tr. Mickle, 1791), Volume 1.djvu/416




 * Whilst thus in heaven's bright palace Fate was weigh'd,

Right onward still the brave armada stray'd: Right on they steer by Ethiopia's strand And pastoral Madagascar's verdant land. Before the balmy gales of cheerful spring, With heav'n their friend, they spread the canvas wing; The sky cerulean, and the breathing air, The lasting promise of a calm declare. Behind them now the Cape of Praso bends, Another ocean to their view extends, Where black-topt islands, to their longing eyes, Lav'd by the gentle waves, in prospect rise. But G AMA, (captain of the vent'rous band, Of bold emprize, and born for high command, Whose martial fires, with prudence close allied, Ensured the smiles of fortune on his side) Bears off those shores which waste and wild appear'd, And eastward still for happier climates steer'd: When gathering round, and blackening o'er the tide, A fleet of small canoes the pilot spied; Hoisting their sails of palm-tree leaves, inwove With curious art, a swarming crowd they move: Long