Waving their raiment and their hands they signèd48
the Lusitanian folk to wait awhile:
but our light Prores their course had now inclinèd
to strike where shelter'd by the nearest isle:
Soldiers and sailors in one toil conjoinèd
as though were here the period of their toil:
They take in sail, and strike the lofty spar,
and Ocean, anchor-smit, froths high in air.
Nor had they anchor'd, when the stranger race49
the shrouds upswarming ready footing gainèd;
joyous they cluster glad of gest and face;
our Captain gracious greeting gives unfeignèd.
He bids incontinent the board to grace
with vinous liquor first Lyæus drainèd;
they crown the chrystal cups, the proffer'd wine
Phaëton's scorchèd folk nowise decline.
Afeasting cheery all the guests enquirèd50
in Arab language, Whence had come their hosts?
Who were they? Where their land? What they desirèd?
What seas their keels had cut and conn'd what coasts?
The valiant Lusians answered with requirèd
discretion, and eschewing foolish boasts,—
"We are the Occidental Portughuese;
And, seeking Orient lands, we sail the seas.
