Chapter VI: Canto IX

ARGUMENT OF THE NINTH CANTO.

Now, free’d from the snares and perils which threatened him, Vasco da Gama quitteth Calecut, and returneth to the Kingdom (Portugal), with the glad tidings of having discovered Oriental India: Venus directeth his course to a delicious Island: Description of that same Island: Landing of the Navigators: Festive shows wherewith they are there received; the soldiers by the Nereids and Da Gama by Thetis (_sic_).

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

_Parte de Calecut o Lusitano,
Com as alegres novas do Oriente,
E no meio do tumido Oceano,
Venus lhe mostra huma Insula excellente:
Aqui de todo bem soffrido dano,
Acha repouso assaz conveniente,
E com Nymphas gentis o mais do dia
Em festas passa, e jogos de alegria._

Fareth from Calecut the Capitayne } (1–16)
Bearing glad tidings of the Orient; }
To whom, amiddle of the tumid Main, } (17–63)
Venus displays an Island excellent: }
Here from all nobly suffered loss and pain, } (64–82)
Rest and Repose they find convenient, }
And with the gentle Nymphs the livelong day } (83–95)
They pass in wassail, and in Love’s fair play. }