Chapter VII: Canto II

ARGUMENT OF THE SECOND CANTO.

Instigated by the Demon, the King of Mombasah aimeth at destroying the Navigators: He plotteth treason against them under the fiction of friendship: Venus appeareth to Jupiter, and intercedeth for the Portugueze: He promiseth her to favour them and prophetically relateth some feats which they shall perform in the East: Mercury discloseth himself to the Gama in a dream, and warneth him to shun the dangers of Mombasah: They weigh anchor and reach Melinde, whose King receiveth the Captain with favour and hospitality.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_Dar El Rei de Mombaça o fim prepara
Ao Gama illustre, com mortal engano:
Desce Venus ao mar, a frota empara,
E a fallar sobe ao Padre soberano:
Jove os casos futuros lhe declara:
Apparece Mercurio ao Lusitano:
Chega a frota a Melinde, e o Rei potente
Em seu porto a recebe alegremente._

Mombasah’s King untimely end hath laid } (1–17)
For famous Gama by his fell deceit: }
Descending seawards, Venus saves th’ Armade, (18–32)
and fares on high her sovran Sire to greet, (33–43)
She learns our future lot by Jove’s good aid: (44–55)
appeareth Mercury to Lusus’ fleet, (56–71)
It makes Melindé, where a potent Chief } (72–end)
within his harbour lendeth glad relief. }