Page:The Lusiad (Camões, tr. Mickle, 1791), Volume 2.djvu/132

 How down the coverts of the steepy brake Their lurking stand a treacherous ambush take; On us, when speeding to defend his flight, To rush, and plunge us in the shades of night: Nor while in friendship would their lips unfold Where India's ocean laved the orient shores of gold.


 * Now prosp'rous gales the bending canvas swell'd;

From these rude shores our fearless course we held: Beneath the glistening wave the God of day Had now five times withdrawn the parting ray, When o'er the prow a sudden darkness spread, And slowly floating o'er the mast's tall head A black cloud hover'd: nor appear'd from far The moon's pale glimpse, nor faintly twinkling star; So deep a gloom the louring vapour cast, Transfixt with awe the bravest stood aghast. Meanwhile a hollow bursting roar resounds, As when hoarse surges lash their rocky mounds; Nor had the blackening wave, nor frowning heaven The wonted signs of gathering tempest given. Amazed we stood—O thou, our fortune's guide, Avert this omen, mighty God,—I cried; Or through forbidden climes adventurous stray'd, Have we the secrets of the deep survey'd, Which these wide solitudes of seas and sky Were doom'd to hide from man's unhallowed eye? Whate'er