Page:Os Lusíadas (Camões, tr. Burton, 1880), Volume 1.djvu/37

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Canto I.
11

But, sithence antient Time slow minutes by18
ere ruled the Peoples who desire such boon;
bend on my novel rashness favouring eye,
that these my verses may become thine own :
So shalt thou see thine Argonauts o'erfly
yon salty argent, when they see it shown
thou seest their labours on the raging sea:
Learn even now invok'd of man to be.[1]




They walked the water's vasty breadth of blue,19
parting the restless billows on their way;
fair favouring breezes breathed soft and true,
the bellying canvas bulging in their play :
The seas were sprent with foam of creamy hue,
flashing where'er the Prows wide open lay
the sacred spaces of that ocean-plain
where Proteus' cattle cleave his own domain:


When they who hold Olympick luminous height,20
the Gods and Governors of our human race,
convened in glorious conclave, all unite
the coming course of Eastern things to trace:
Treading the glassy dome of lovely light,
along the Milky Way conjoint they pace,
gather'd together at the Thunderer's hest,
and by old Atlas' gentle grandson prest.

  1. End of exordium: narrative begins.