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RELIGIOUS INSPIRATION OF PORTUGUESE DISCOVERY 73 in regard to their real position in India, and their per- petual confusion of personal heroism with political achievement. The epic of Vasco da Gama is an allegory of his nation's story in the East. His last night on shore he watched in prayer at the chapel of Belem Like a true Crusader, commending himself and his cause to God. He commenced his voyage amid royal honours and popular misgivings; he conducted it with undaunted courage to success; he returned in a blaze of triumph amid which he himself crept away to a lonely retreat on the beach, to mourn for the brother and brave com- rades buried on far-off shores or gone down in the mighty waters.
