re him.

Meanwhile the deities of America assemble in council; and one of the
Zemi, the gods of the islanders, announces his approach. "In vain,"
says he, "have we guarded the Atlantic for ages. A mortal has baffled
our power; nor will our votaries arm against him. Yours are a sterner
race. Hence; and, while we have recourse to stratagem, do you array
the nations round your altars, and prepare for an exterminating war."
They disperse while he is yet speaking; and, in the shape of a
condor, he directs his flight to the fleet. His journey described. He
arrives there. A panic. A mutiny. Columbus restores order; continues
on his voyage; and lands in a New World. Ceremonies of the first
interview. Rites of hospitality. The ghost of Cazziva.

Two months pass away, and an Angel, appearing in a dream to Columbus,
thus addresses him: "Return to Europe; though your Adversaries, such
is the will of Heaven, shall let loose the hurricane against you. A
little while shall they triumph; insinuating themselves into the
hearts of your followers, and making the World, which you came to
bless, a scene of blood and slaughter. Yet is there cause for
rejoicing. Your work is done. The cross of Christ is planted here;
and, in due time, all things shall be made perfect!"_

CANTO I.
Night--Columbus on the Atlantic--the variation of the compass, &c.

Say who first pass'd the portals of the West,
And the great Secret of the Deep possess'd;
Who first the standard of his Faith unfurl'd
On the dread confines of an unknown World;
Sung ere his coming [a]--and by Heav'n design'd
To lift the veil that cover'd half mankind! [b]--
'Twas night. The Moon, o'er the wide wave, disclos'd
Her awful face; and Nature's self repos'd;
When, slowly rising in the azure sky,
Three white sails shone--but to no mortal eye.
Entering a boundless sea. In slumber cast,
The very ship-boy, on the dizzy mast,
Half breath'd his orisons! Alone unchang'd,
Calmly, beneath, the great Commander rang'd, [c]
Thoughtful not sad; and, as the planet grew,
His noble form, wrapt in his mantle blue,
Athwart the deck a solemn shadow threw.
"Thee hath it pleas'd--Thy will be done!" he said, [d]
Then sought his cabin; and, their capas [Footnote 1] spread,
Around him lay the sleeping as the dead,
When, by his lamp, to that mysterious Guide,
On whose still counsels all his hopes relied,
That Oracle to man in mercy giv'n,
Whose voice is truth, whose wisdom is from heav'n, [e]
Who ov