Gama's long recital being concluded, the poet resumes the thread of his story in his own person. The Portuguese admiral enters into an alliance with the King of Melinda, assures him that the vessels of his nation will always in future anchor on his shores. Gama receives from the monarch a faithful pilot to conduct him to India. Bacchus now has recourse to Neptune, at whose palace the divinities of the sea assemble. The gods of the sea consent to let loose the winds and waves against the daring navigators. During the night the sailors on the watch relate to each other amusing stories. Veloso urges them to relate some proud feats of war. The history of the contest of the twelve knights of England with the twelve of Portugal is then told. A violent tempest assails the fleet. Vivid picture of a storm at sea. Gama addresses his prayer to God; and Venus, with her nymphs so captivates the storm-gods that a calm ensues. The boy at the mast-head raises a joyful cry of Land! re-echoed by the whole crew. The pilot informs the Portuguese that they are now approaching the kingdom of Calicut. The poet's reflections.
With heart sincere the royal pagan joy'd, And hospitable rites each hour employ'd, For much the king the Lusian band admir'd, And, much their friendship and their aid desir'd; Each hour the gay festivity prolongs, Melindian dances, and Arabian songs; Each hour in mirthful transport steals away, By night the banquet, and the chase by day; And now, the bosom of the deep invites, And all the pride of Neptune's festive rites; Their silken banners waving o'er the tide, A jovial band, the painted galleys ride; The net and angle various hands employ, And Moorish timbrels sound the notes of joy. Such was the pomp, when Egypt's beauteous[400] queen Bade all the pride of naval show convene, In pleasure's downy bosom, to beguile Her love-sick warrior:[401] o'er the breast of Nile, Dazzling with gold, the purple ensigns flow'd, And to the lute the gilded barges row'd; While from the wave, of many a shining hue, The anglers' lines the panting fishes drew.