Os Lusíadas

Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads) is a Portuguese epic poem by Luís de Camões. First printed in 1572, it is regarded as Portugal's national epic, much in the same way as Virgil's Aeneid was for the Ancient Romans, or Homer's Iliad and Odyssey for the Ancient Greeks.

Canto I


Que da Ocidental praia Lusitana Por mares nunca de antes navegados Passaram ainda além da Taprobana, Em perigos e guerras esforçados Mais do que prometia a força humana, E entre gente remota edificaram Novo Reino, que tanto sublimaram.'' Through seas where sail was never spread before, Beyond where Ceylon lifts her spicy breast, And waves her woods above the watery waste, With prowess more than human forced their way To the fair kingdoms of the rising day: What wars they waged, what seas, what dangers past, What glorious empire crowned their toils at last. Who from Portugal's far western shores By oceans where none had ventured Voyaged to Taprobana and beyond, Enduring hazards and assaults Such as drew on more than human prowess Among far distant peoples, to proclaim A New Age and win undying fame.
 * ''As armas e os Barões assinalados
 * Arms and the heroes, who from Lisbon's shore,
 * Stanza 1 (as translated by William Julius Mickle, 1776).
 * Variant translation by Landeg White (1997):
 * Arms are my theme, and those matchless heroes

If Wit and Art will so much guide my Pen.
 * Cantando espalharei por toda parte, Se a tanto me ajudar o engenho e arte.
 * My Song shall spread where ever there are Men,
 * Stanza 2, lines 7–8 (as translated by Sir Richard Fanshawe, 1655).

As navegações grandes que fizeram; Cale-se de Alexandro e de Trajano A fama das vitórias que tiveram; Que eu canto o peito ilustre Lusitano, A quem Neptuno e Marte obedeceram. Cesse tudo o que a Musa antiga canta, Que outro valor mais alto se alevanta.'' What lands he saw, what toils at sea he bore; No more the Trojan's wandering voyage boast, What storms he braved on many a perilous coast: No more let Rome exult in Trajan's name, Nor Eastern conquests Ammon's pride proclaim; A nobler hero's deeds demand my lays Than ever adorned the song of ancient days; Illustrious Gama, whom the waves obeyed, And whose dread sword the fate of empire swayed. A brighter Valour rises in the West.'''
 * ''Cessem do sábio Grego e do Troiano
 * Let us hear no more then of Ulysses and Aeneas and their long journeying, no more of Alexander and Trajan and their famous victories. My theme is the daring and renown of the Portuguese, to whom Neptune and Mars alike give homage. The heroes and the poets of old have had their day; another and loftier conception of valour has arisen.
 * Stanza 3 (as translated by William C. Atkinson, 1952).
 * William Julius Mickle's translation:
 * Let Fame with wonder name the Greek no more,
 * Compare Sir Richard Fanshawe's translation, lines 15–16:
 * '''Cease All, whose Actions ancient Bards expressed:

Tendes em mi um novo engenho ardente, Se sempre em verso humilde celebrado Foi de mi vosso rio alegremente, Dai-me agora um som alto e sublimado, Um estilo grandíloco e corrente, Por que de vossas águas Febo ordene Que não tenham enveja às de Hipocrene. Dai-me uma fúria grande e sonorosa, E não de agreste avena ou frauta ruda, Mas de tuba canora e belicosa, Que o peito acende e a cor ao gesto muda; Dai-me igual canto aos feitos da famosa Gente vossa, que a Marte tanto ajuda; Que se espalhe e se cante no universo, Se tão sublime preço cabe em verso.'' If ever your meadows were my pastoral theme, While you have listened, and by moonshine seen My footsteps wander over your banks of green, O come auspicious, and the song inspire With all the boldness of your hero's fire: Deep and majestic let the numbers flow, And, rapt to heaven, with ardent fury glow; Unlike the verse that speaks the lover's grief, When heaving sighs afford their soft relief, And humble reeds bewail the shepherd's pain: But like the warlike trumpet be the strain To rouse the hero's ire; and far around, With equal rage, your warriors' deeds resound.
 * ''E vós, Tágides minhas, pois criado
 * And you, fair nymphs of Tagus, parent stream,
 * Stanzas 4–5 (tr. William Julius Mickle).

As inquietas ondas apartando; Os ventos brandamente respiravam, Das naus as velas côncavas inchando; Da branca escuma os mares se mostravam Cobertos, onde as proas vão cortando As marítimas águas consagradas, Que do gado de Proteu são cortadas.'' Parting the snarling Waves with crooked Bills: The whispering Zephyr breathed a gentle Blast, Which stealingly the spreading Canvas fills: With a white foam the Seas were overcast, The dancing Vessels cutting with their Keels The Waters of the Consecrated Deep, Where Protheu's Flocks their Rendezvouses keep. The Lusitanian fleet triumphant rode; Onward they traced the wide and lonesome main, Where changeful Proteus leads his scaly train; The dancing vanes before the zephyrs flowed, And their bold keels the trackless ocean plowed; Unplowed before, the green-tinged billows rose, And curled and whitened round the nodding prows.
 * ''Já no largo Oceano navegavam,
 * They now went sailing in the Ocean vast,
 * Stanza 19 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).
 * William Julius Mickle's translation:
 * Now, far from land, over Neptune's dread abode

Que divino tornara um corpo humano; Com uma coroa e ceptro rutilante, De outra pedra mais clara que diamante.'' Flamed round his brows, outshone the diamond's blaze: His breath such gales of vital fragrance shed, As might, with sudden life, inspire the dead. Able to breathe new life in a pale Ghost: A Scepter in his Hand, and his Head crowned With one stone, brighter than a Diamond.
 * ''Do rosto respirava um ar divino,
 * The crown, of heaven's own pearls, whose ardent rays,
 * Stanza 22, lines 5–8 (tr. William Julius Mickle); of Jove.
 * Sir Richard Fanshawe's translation:
 * An Oderiferous Ayre blew from his face,

Pelas argênteas ondas Neptuninas, As estrelas os Céus acompanhavam, Qual campo revestido de boninas; Os furiosos ventos repousavam Pelas covas escuras peregrinas. Porém da armada a gente vigiava, Como por longo tempo costumava.'' And lifts her lovely head above the wave.''' The snowy splendours of her modest ray Stream over the glistening waves, and quivering play: Around her, glittering on the heaven's arched brow, Unnumbered stars, enclosed in azure, glow, Thick as the dew-drops of the April dawn, Or May-flowers crowding over the daisy-lawn: The canvas whitens in the silvery beam, And with a mild pale red the pendants gleam: The masts' tall shadows tremble over the deep; The peaceful winds a holy silence keep; The watchman's carol, echoed from the prows, Alone, at times, awakes the still repose. Over heaven's clear azure spreads her sacred light, When not a breath disturbs the deep serene, And not a cloud overcasts the solemn scene; Around her throne the vivid planets roll, And stars unnumbered gild the glowing pole, Over the dark trees a yellower verdure shed, And tip with silver every mountain's head; Then shine the vales, the rocks in prospect rise, A flood of glory bursts from all the skies: The conscious swains, rejoicing in the sight, Eye the blue vault, and bless the useful light.
 * ''Da Lua os claros raios rutilavam
 * '''The moon, full orbed, forsakes her watery cave,
 * Stanza 58 (as translated by William Julius Mickle).
 * Compare Homer, The Iliad, VIII. 551–555:
 * As when the moon, refulgent lamp of night,
 * (as translated by Alexander Pope)


 * É fraqueza entre ovelhas ser leão.
 * To be a Lyon among Sheep, 'tis poor.
 * Stanza 68, line 8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

What woes on Life's unhappy journey wait!
 * Ó grandes e gravíssimos perigos! Ó caminho de vida nunca certo!
 * O piteous lot of man's uncertain state!
 * Stanza 105, lines 1–2 (tr. William Julius Mickle).

where live his little span of life secure? and escape of Heaven serene the indignant storms that launch their thunders at us earthen worms?
 * Onde pode acolher-se um fraco humano, Onde terá segura a curta vida, Que não se arme, e se indigne o Céu sereno Contra um bicho da terra tão pequeno?
 * Ah! where shall weary man take sanctuary,
 * Stanzas 105–106 (tr. Richard Francis Burton).

Canto II


Que a faz imaginar no peito alheio.'' Which doth suppose it in Another's Brest.
 * ''Onde reina a malícia, está o receio
 * Where malice reigns, there Jalousie doth nest,
 * Stanza 9, lines 7–8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Livrar-se sem perigo sabiamente, Se lá de cima a Guarda soberana Não acudir à fraca força humana?'' The stroke of Secret mischief to prevent, Unless the Sovereign Guardian from on high Supply the strength of frail Humanity?
 * ''Quem poderá do mal aparelhado
 * What Care, what Wisdom, is of suffisance
 * Stanza 30, lines 5–8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).


 * Queimou o sagrado templo de Diana, Do subtil Tesifónio fabricado, Heróstrato, por ser da gente humana Conhecido no mundo e nomeado: Se também com tais obras nos engana O desejo de um nome avantajado, Mais razão há que queira eterna glória Quem faz obras tão dignas de memória.
 * If chaste Diana's consecrated Fane, Raised by the wondrous skill of Ctesiphon, To sacrilegious flames was sacrificed By Eratostratus, to blazon forth His name; if such unholy deeds are wrought Vain-glory to perpetuate; how much More due is deathless fame to him, whose acts Are worthy of eternal memory!
 * Stanza 113 (tr. Thomas Moore Musgrave).

Canto III
De Europa toda, o Reino Lusitano, Onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa.'' As crown to this wide empire, Europe's head, Fair Lusitania smiles, the western bound, Whose verdant breast the rolling waves surround.
 * ''Eis aqui, quase cume da cabeça
 * Proud over the rest, with splendid wealth arrayed,
 * Stanza 20, lines 1–3 (as translated by William Julius Mickle).


 * Esta é a ditosa pátria minha amada.
 * This is my happy land, my home, my pride.
 * Stanza 21, line 1 (as translated by Richard Francis Burton).


 * Tu só, tu, puro Amor...
 * Thou, only thou, pure Love...
 * Stanza 119, line 1 (tr. Richard Francis Burton).

Feros vos amostrais, e cavaleiros?'' By men of arms a helpless lady slain!
 * ''Contra uma dama, ó peitos carniceiros,
 * O foul disgrace, of knighthood lasting stain,
 * Stanza 130, lines 7–8 (tr. William Julius Mickle); the death of Inês de Castro.

Antes do tempo foi, cândida e bela, Sendo das mãos lascivas maltratada Da menina que a trouxe na capela, O cheiro traz perdido e a cor murchada: Tal está morta a pálida donzela, Secas do rosto as rosas, e perdida A branca e viva cor, co'a doce vida.'' Thrown from the careless virgin's breast away, Lies faded on the plain, the living red, The snowy white, and all its fragrance fled; So from her cheeks the roses died away, And pale in death the beauteous Inez lay. By Virgin's hand beheaded in the Bud To play withal, or prick into her Hair, When (severed from the stalk on which it stood) Both Scent and beauty vanish into Air: So lies the Damsel without breath, or Blood, Her Cheeks' fresh Roses ravished from the Root Both red and white, and the sweet life to boot.
 * ''Assim como a bonina, que cortada
 * As when a rose, ere-while of bloom so gay,
 * Stanza 134 (tr. William Julius Mickle).
 * Sir Richard Fanshawe's translation:
 * Like a sweet Rose (with party-colours fair)


 * Um fraco Rei faz fraca a forte gente.
 * A soft king makes a valiant people soft.
 * Stanza 138, line 8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Dos laços que Amor arma brandamente Entre as rosas e a neve humana pura, O ouro e o alabastro transparente? Quem de uma peregrina formosura, De um vulto de Medusa propriamente, Que o coração converte, que tem preso, Em pedra não, mas em desejo aceso?'' The trembling throbbings of the young desires, When he beheld the breathing roses glow, And the soft heavings of the living snow; The waving ringlets of the auburn hair, And all the rapturous graces of the fair!
 * ''Mas quem pode livrar-se por ventura
 * And who can boast he never felt the fires,
 * Stanza 142 (tr. William Julius Mickle).

Canto IV
Correu ao mar o Tejo duvidoso; E as mães, que o som terríbil escutaram, Aos peitos os filhinhos apertaram.'' The troubled Tagus runs towards the sea And mothers terrified by its alarms Gathered their little children in their arms.
 * ''Ouviu-o o Douro e a terra Transtagana;
 * The Douro heard, and that land beyond where
 * Stanza 28, lines 5–8 (tr. Keith Bosley)

Se alcançam com trabalho e com fadiga.'' 'Ere glorious honours crown the victor's pride.'
 * ''As cousas árduas e lustrosas
 * 'Great are the dangers, great the toils,' he cried,
 * Stanza 78, lines 3–4 (tr. William Julius Mickle).


 * Ó Rei subido, Aventurar-me a ferro, a fogo, a neve É tão pouco por vós, que mais me pena Ser esta vida cousa tão pequena.
 * O Mighty King! The perils of the sword, Or fire, or frost, I nothing estimate; But much I grieve that life must circumscribe The limits of my zeal.
 * Stanza 79, lines 5–8 (tr. Thomas Moore Musgrave).

Como fui destas praias apartado, Cheio dentro de dúvida e receio, Que apenas nos meus olhos ponho o freio.'' Of parting friends, constrained my tears to flow. To weigh our anchors from our native shore— To dare new oceans never dared before— Perhaps to see my native coast no more— Forgive, O king, if as a man I feel, I bear no bosom of obdurate steel. (The godlike hero here suppressed the sigh, And wiped the tear-drop from his manly eye...
 * ''Certifico-te, ó Rei, que se contemplo
 * A scene so solemn, and the tender woe
 * Stanza 87, lines 5–8 (as translated by William Julius Mickle).

Que ficava nas praias, entre a gente, Postos em nós os olhos, meneando Três vezes a cabeça, descontente, A voz pesada um pouco alevantando, Que nós no mar ouvimos claramente, C'um saber só de experiências feito, Tais palavras tirou do experto peito: Ó glória de mandar! Ó vã cobiça Desta vaidade, a quem chamamos Fama!'' (Standing upon the shore amongst the Crowds) His Eyes fixed upon us (on ship-board), shook His head three times, ore-cast with sorrows clouds: And (straining his Voice more, than well could brook His aged lungs: It rattled in our shrowds) Out of a science, practise did Attest, Let fly these words from an oraculous Breast: '''O Glory of commanding! O vain Thirst Of that same empty nothing we call Fame!'''
 * ''Mas um velho d'aspeito venerando,
 * But an Old man of Venerable look
 * Stanzas 94–95 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe); The Old Man of Restelo.

Tanto enlevas a leve fantasia, Já que à bruta crueza e feridade Puseste nome esforço e valentia, Já que prezas em tanta quantidade O desprezo da vida, que devia De ser sempre estimada...'' Must brutal fierceness and the trade of arms, Conquest, and laurels dipped in blood, be prized, While life is scorned, and all its joys despised?
 * ''Já que nesta gostosa vaidade
 * And say, has fame so dear, so dazzling charms?
 * Stanza 99 (tr. William Julius Mickle).

Canto V


Se nos mostra no ar, robusta e válida, De disforme e grandíssima estatura, O rosto carregado, a barba esquálida, Os olhos encovados, e a postura Medonha e má, e a cor terrena e pálida, Cheios de terra e crespos os cabelos, A boca negra, os dentes amarelos. Tão grande era de membros, que bem posso Certificar-te, que este era o segundo De Rodes estranhíssimo Colosso, Que um dos sete milagres foi do mundo: Com um tom de voz nos fala horrendo e grosso, Que pareceu sair do mar profundo: Arrepiam-se as carnes e o cabelo A mi e a todos, só de ouvi-lo e vê-lo.'' Appalled, we saw a hideous phantom glare'''; High and enormous over the flood he towered, And athwart our way with sullen aspect lowered An earthy paleness over his cheeks was spread, Erect uprose his hairs of withered red; Writhing to speak, his sable lips disclose, Sharp and disjoined, his gnashing teeth's blue rows; His haggard beard flowed quivering on the wind, Revenge and horror in his mien combined; His clouded front, by withering lightnings scared, The inward anguish of his soul declared. His red eyes, glowing from their dusky caves, Shot livid fires: far echoing over the waves His voice resounded, as the caverned shore With hollow groan repeats the tempest's roar. Cold gliding horrors thrilled each hero's breast, Our bristling hair and tottering knees confessed Wild dread, the while with visage ghastly wan, His black lips trembling, thus the fiend began...
 * ''Não acabava, quando uma figura
 * '''I spoke, when rising through the darkened air,
 * Stanzas 39–40 (tr. William Julius Mickle); description of Adamastor, the "Spirit of the Cape".


 * Pois vens ver os segredos escondidos Da natureza e do úmido elemento, A nenhum grande humano concedidos De nobre ou de imortal merecimento, Ouve os danos de mim, que apercebidos Estão a teu sobejo atrevimento, Por todo o largo mar e pela terra, Que ainda hás de sojugar com dura guerra.
 * Comest thou to penetrate the mysteries Of nature, and this humid element, Which to no mortal yet have been revealed, Whatever his merit, or his deathless fame? But listen! Thou shalt know what punishments For thy bold daring are by me prepared, Which on the spacious deep thou shalt endure, And amidst the regions thou shalt yet subdue By force of arms.
 * Stanza 42 (tr. Thomas Moore Musgrave).

Que, crendo ter nos braços quem amava, Abraçado me achei com um duro monte De áspero mato e de espessura brava. Estando com um penedo fronte a fronte, Que eu pelo rosto angélico apertava Não fiquei homem não, mas mudo e quedo, E junto dum penedo outro penedo.'' Thinking I Her embraced whom I did seek, A Mountain hard I found I did embrace. Overgrown with Trees and Bushes nothing sleek. Thus (grappling with a Mountain face to face, Which I stood pressing for her Angel's cheek) I was no Man: No but a stupid Block And grew unto a Rock another Rock.
 * ''Ó que não sei de nojo como o conte!
 * O, how I choke in uttering my disgrace!
 * Stanza 56 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Súbito diante os olhos se apartou; Desfez-se a nuvem negra, e com um sonoro Bramido muito longe o mar soou.'' A doleful sound, and vanished from the view: The frightened billows gave a rolling swell, And, distant far, prolonged the dismal yell; Faint and more faint the howling echoes die, And the black cloud dispersing leaves the sky.
 * ''Assim contava, e com um medonho choro
 * He spoke, and deep a lengthened sigh he drew,
 * Stanza 60, lines 1–4 (tr. William Julius Mickle).

Vence toda grandíloqua escritura.'' Outdoes all boasting and hyperbole.
 * ''A verdade que eu conto nua e pura
 * My own tale in its naked purity
 * Stanza 89, lines 7–8 (tr. Landeg White)

Dos próprios feitos, quando são soados! Qualquer nobre trabalha que em memória Vença ou iguale os grandes já passados. As invejas da ilustre e alheia história Fazem mil vezes feitos sublimados. Quem valerosas obras exercita, Louvor alheio muito o esperta e incita.'' By one's own Actions, when to Heaven they soar! Each nobler Soul will strain, to have his story, Match, if not darken, All That went before. Envy of other's Fame, not transitory, Screws up illustrious Actions more, and more. Such, as contend in honorable deeds, The Spur of high Applause incites their speeds. What boundless joys are thine, O just Renown, Thou hope of Virtue, and her noblest crown! By thee the seeds of conscious worth are fired, Hero by hero, fame by fame inspired: Without thine aid how soon the hero dies! By thee upborne, his name ascends the skies.
 * ''Quão doce é o louvor e a justa glória
 * How sweet is Praise, and justly purchased Glory,
 * Stanza 92 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).
 * William Julius Mickle's translation:

De algum não ser por versos excelente, É não se ver prezado o verso e rima, Porque quem não sabe arte, não na estima.'' Poets adorn our Countrey, is the small Incouragement to such: For how can He Esteem, That understands not Poetry?
 * ''Sem vergonha o não digo, que a razão
 * I speak it to our shame; the cause no grand
 * Stanza 97, lines 5–8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Canto VI
Cavernas altas, onde o mar se esconde, Lá donde as ondas saem furibundas, Quando às iras do vento o mar responde.'' High caverns, where the sea doth hide him, There, whence the waves come forth in madness, When to the wraths of wind the sea respondeth.
 * ''No mais interno fundo das profundas
 * In the inmost deep of the profound
 * Stanza 8, lines 1–4 (tr. Ezra Pound)

Foram já cometer o Céu supremo; Vistes aquela insana fantasia De tentarem o mar com vela e remo; Vistes, e ainda vemos cada dia, Soberbas e insolências tais, que temo Que do Mar e do Céu, em poucos anos, Venham Deuses a ser, e nós, humanos.'' The highest Heavens they did invade of yore: You saw, how (against Reason, against sense) They did invade the Sea with Sail and Oar: Actions so Proud, so daring, so immense, You saw; and We see daily more, and more: That in few years (I fear) of Heaven and Sea, Men, will be called Gods; and but men, We. Of the vast oceans and the heavenly span They'll be the gods and you and I but Man.
 * ''Vistes que, com grandíssima ousadia,
 * You saw, with what unheard of Insolence
 * Stanza 29 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe); Council of the Sea-Gods.
 * Compare ‎Landeg White's translation:
 * ...very soon, I promise you,

Canto VII

 * N'uma mão sempre a espada, e n'outra a pena.
 * My Pen in this, my Sword in that hand hold.
 * Stanza 79, line 8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Canto VIII

 * Ó quanto deve o Rei que bem governa, De olhar que os conselheiros, ou privados, De consciência e de virtude interna E de sincero amor sejam dotados! Porque, como este posto na suprema Cadeira, pode mal dos apartados Negócios ter notícia mais inteira, Do que lhe der a língua conselheira.
 * With what solicitude the King who wields His sceptered power with justice, should select, To aid his counsels, Sages most endowed With skill and conscientious rectitude! He who is placed upon the Royal Throne, For knowledge of the high concerns of State, Must, on the wisdom and fidelity Of his chief Counselors, mainly rely.
 * Stanza 54 (tr. Thomas Moore Musgrave).

Quanto no rico, assim como no pobre, Pode o vil interesse e sede inimiga Do dinheiro, que a tudo nos obriga.'' The Idol Gold (which all the World adoreth) Plays both in Poor and Rich: by Money's Thurst All Laws and Ties (Divine, and Human) burst.
 * ''Veja agora o juízo curioso
 * Now let the judging Reader mark what Rex
 * Stanza 96, lines 5–8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Canto IX
E que mimoso choro que soava! Que afagos tão suaves, que ira honesta, Que em risinhos alegres se tornava! O que mais passam na manhã, e na sesta, Que Vénus com prazeres inflamava, Melhor é experimentá-lo que julgá-lo, Mas julgue-o quem não pode experimentá-lo.'' What pretty whimperings, did the Grove repeat! What flattering Force! What Anger which did chide Itself, and laught when it began to threat! What more than this the blushing Morning spied, And Venus (adding Hers to the Noon's heat) Is better tried, than guessed, I must confess: But Those who cannot try it, let them guess.
 * ''Ó que famintos beijos na floresta,
 * O what devouring Kisses (multiplied)
 * Stanza 83 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Verdadeiro valor não dão à gente: Melhor é, merecê-los sem os ter, Que possuí-los sem os merecer.'' (Unless he have it in himself) to none, '''Better deserve them, and to go without; Than have them undeserved''', without doubt.
 * ''Porque essas honras vãs, esse ouro puro
 * For these vain Honours, this false Gold, give price
 * Stanza 93, lines 5–8 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe).

Canto X
Há pouco que passar até o Outono; A Fortuna me faz o engenho frio, Do qual já não me jacto nem me abono; Os desgostos me vão levando ao rio Do negro esquecimento e eterno sono: Mas tu me dá que cumpra, ó grão Rainha Das Musas, co que quero à nação minha!'' My autumn's lengthening evenings chill my veins; Down the black stream of years by woes on woes Winged on, I hasten to the tomb's repose''', The port whose deep, dark bottom shall detain My anchor, never to be weighed again, Never on other sea of life to steer The human course.—Yet thou, O goddess, hear, Yet let me live, though round my silvered head Misfortune's bitterest rage unpitying shed Her coldest storms; yet let me live to crown The song that boasts my nation's proud renown.
 * ''Vão os anos decendo, e já do Estio
 * '''No more the summer of my life remains,
 * Stanza 9 (as translated by William Julius Mickle).

Presuming on the power, and upper place, No Conquest is: He conquers with Renown Who dares be just even though it lose a Crown. in force, and footing lent by rank and place, conquereth nothing, the true Conqueror he who dares do naked Justice fair and free.
 * Quem faz injúria vil e sem razão, Com forças e poder em que está posto, Não vence; que a vitória verdadeira É saber ter justiça nua e inteira.
 * He who, solely to oppress, Employs or martial force, or power, achieves No victory; but a true victory Is gained, when justice triumphs and prevails.
 * Stanza 58, lines 5–8 (tr. Thomas Moore Musgrave).
 * Sir Richard Fanshawe's translation:
 * To trample on weak Right with a prowd Foot,
 * Richard Francis Burton's translation:
 * Who works vile injury with unreasoning trust
 * Joaquim Nabuco's translation: "He who inflicts a vile and unjust harm by using the power and the force with which he is invested, does not conquer; the true victory is to have on one's side Right naked and entire."

Destemperada e a voz enrouquecida, E não do canto, mas de ver que venho Cantar a gente surda e endurecida. O favor com que mais se acende o engenho Não no dá a pátria, não, que está metida No gosto da cobiça e na rudeza Dũa austera, apagada e vil tristeza.'' untuned lies, and hoarse my voice of Song; not that of singing tire I, but I tire singing for surd and horny-hearted throng. Favours which Poet-fancy mostly fire our Land gives not, ah, no! 'tis plunged too long in lust of lucre, whelmed in rudest folly of vile, austere and vulgar melancholy. Enough, my muse, thy wearied wing no more Must to the seat of Jove triumphant soar. Chilled by my nation's cold neglect, thy fires Glow bold no more, and all thy rage expires.
 * ''Nô mais, Musa, nô mais, que a Lira tenho
 * No more, my Muse! no more, for now my Lyre
 * Stanza 145 (as translated by Richard Francis Burton).
 * William Julius Mickle's translation:

Alemães, Galos, Ítalos e Ingleses, Possam dizer que são pera mandados, Mais que pera mandar, os Portugueses. Tomai conselho só d'exprimentados Que viram largos anos, largos meses, Que, posto que em cientes muito cabe, Mais em particular o experto sabe.'' The English, German, and Italian, Have cause to say, the fainting Portugal Could not advance the Great Work he began. Let your Advisers be experienced All, Such as have seen the World, and studied man. '''For, though in Science much contained bee, In special cases Practice more doth see.''' Britons, Italians, Germans and the Gaul, never vaunt that might of mortal man commands thy Portingals, who should command them all. Take counsel only with experienced hands, men who long years, long moons, saw rise and fall: Many for general science fitness show, yet the particulars none save experts know.
 * ''Fazei, Senhor, que nunca os admirados
 * Great Sir, let never the astonisht [Gall]]
 * Stanza 152 (tr. Sir Richard Fanshawe); the poet advising King Sebastian of Portugal, then eighteen years of age.
 * Richard Francis Burton's translation:
 * So do, my Sire! that sons of famous lands

Com longa experiência misturado, Nem engenho, que aqui vereis presente, Cousas que juntas se acham raramente.'' with long Experience blent as best beseems, and Genius here presented for thy view;— gifts, that conjoined appertain to few.
 * ''Nem me falta na vida honesto estudo,
 * Right honest studies my career can show
 * Stanza 154, lines 5–8 (tr. Richard Francis Burton).

Pera cantar-vos, mente às Musas dada; Só me falece ser a vós aceito, De quem virtude deve ser prezada. Se me isto o Céu concede, e o vosso peito Dina empresa tomar de ser cantada, Como a pres[s]aga mente vaticina Olhando a vossa inclinação divina, Ou fazendo que, mais que a de Medusa, A vista vossa tema o monte Atlante, Ou rompendo nos campos de Ampelusa Os muros de Marrocos e Trudante, A minha já estimada e leda Musa Fico que em todo o mundo de vós cante, De sorte que Alexandro em vós se veja, Sem à dita de Aquiles ter enveja.'' for singing thee a soul the Muses raise'''; nought lacks me save of thee to stand confest, whose duty 'tis the Good to prize and praise: If Heavven concede me this, and if thy breast deign incept worthy of a Poet's lays;— as doth presage my spirit vaticine viewing thee pace the human path divine:— Or doing such derring-do, that never Meduse shall Atlas-mountain like thy glances shake, or battling on the plains of Ampeluse Marocco's mures and Terodant to break; my now esteemed and rejoicing Muse thy name over Earth, I swear, so famed shall make, an Alexander shall in Thee be shown who of Achilles envy never shall own. A soul (to sing you) to the Muses bent: Only I want acceptance in your eye, Who owe to Virtue fair encouragement. If Heaven afford me, this; and you, some high And brave exploit; worthy a monument Of verse, as my prophetic thoughts presage, By what I see now in your tender age: Making Mount-Atlas tremble at your sight, More than at that of dire Medusa's head; Or putting in Ampelusian fields to flight The Moors in Fez and black Morocco bred; I'll gage my Muse (then in esteem and plight) You in such manner through the World shall spread, That Alexander shall in you respire, Without envying the Meonian Lyre.
 * ''Pera servir-vos, braço às armas feito,
 * '''For serving thee an arm to Arms addrest;
 * Stanzas 155–156 (as translated by Richard Francis Burton); exhortation to King Sebastian of Portugal. (Hear the last lines [in Portuguese])
 * Sir Richard Fanshawe's translation:
 * An arm (to serve you) trained in war have I,

Awed by thy frown even now old Atlas bends His hoary head, and Ampeluza's fields Expect thy sounding steeds and rattling shields. And shall these deeds unsung, unknown, expire? Oh, would thy smiles relume my fainting ire! I, then inspired, the wondering world should see Great Ammon's warlike son revived in thee; Revived unenvious of the Muse's flame That over the world resounds Pelides' name.
 * William Julius Mickle's paraphrase:
 * But such the deeds thy radiant morn portends,

Quotes about Os Lusíadas



 * The most beautiful epic of the Iberian Peninsula is Portuguese: the Lusiadas of Luis de Camões (1572), the great epic of the ocean, which sings of Vasco da Gama's voyage around Africa and the Portuguese colonization of the Indies.
 * Erich Auerbach, Introduction to Romance languages and literature (1961), p. 185.


 * the first epic poem which in its grandeur and its universality speaks for the modern world.
 * Maurice Bowra, "Camoes and the Epic of Portugal", in From Virgil to Milton (1945).


 * Camoes' concern is not intellectual but aesthetic; his gods and goddesses come not from philosophy but from poetry.
 * Maurice Bowra, "Camoes and the Epic of Portugal".


 * Os Lusíadas is in many ways the epic of Humanism.
 * Maurice Bowra, "Camoes and the Epic of Portugal".


 * The most pleasing literary labour of my life has been to translate "The Lusiads".
 * Richard Francis Burton, The Lusiads (1880), Preface, p. xi


 * El tesoro del Luso.
 * The Lusian's treasure.
 * Cervantes, as quoted in Camoens: his life and his Lusiads. A commentary by Richard F. Burton, Vol. I (1881), p. 67


 * The Lusiad is so smoothly written, so harmonious, and so full of similes that ever since Camoëns' day it has served as a model for Portuguese poetry and is even yet an accepted and highly prized classic in Portuguese Literature.
 * Hélène Adeline Guerber, The Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in Story (1913), p. 136.


 * The first successful attempt in modern Europe to construct an epic poem on the ancient model.
 * Henry Hallam, Introduction to the Literature of Europe (1847), p. 107


 * Among the great Epopaea, which are constructed upon the basis of a classic culture, we must include the "Lysiad" of Camoens. In the subject-matter of this entirely national composition, which celebrates the bold sea-faring of the Portuguese, we are already beyond the true Middle Ages, and have interests unfolded, which inaugurate a new era. But here, too, despite the glow of its patriotism, despite the life-like character of the descriptive matter, based for the most part upon the author's own experience, we are still conscious of a real barrier between the subject that is national and an artistic culture that is borrowed from the ancients and the Italians.
 * Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, The Philosophy of Fine Art [posthumously published lectures, 1835-38], Volume I (Hacker Art Books, 1975), p. 190; also in Hegel's Lectures on Absolute Spirit (Thoemmes Press, 1999), p. 189.


 * Dr. Johnson told me in 1772, that, about twenty years before that time, he himself had a design to translate the Lusiad, of the merit of which he spoke highly, but had been prevented by a number of other engagements.
 * William Julius Mickle, letter to James Boswell quoted in his The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., Vol. II (1791), p. 473.


 * ... chantés par le Camoèns, dont le poème fait sentir quelque chose des charmes de l'Odyssée et de la magnificence de l'Enéide.
 * ... sung by Camoens, whose poem has something of the charm of the Odyssey and of the magnificence of the Aeneid.
 * Montesquieu, De l'Esprit des Lois (1748) [The Spirit of the Laws], Ch. XXI.


 * A sort of epic poetry unheard of before. There no bloody wars are fought, no heroes wounded in a thousand different ways; no woman enticed away, and the world overturned for her cause; no empire founded; in short, nothing of what was deemed before the only subject of poetry.
 * Voltaire, An Essay on Epic Poetry (1727), 'Camouens'.