er for Da Gama, explaining to him how this
port is governed by the Zamorin, or monarch, and by his prime
minister. The interpreter, at Da Gama's request, then procures an
audience from the Zamorin for his new master.

_Book VIII._ The poet describes how on the way to the palace Da Gama
passes a heathen temple, where he and his companions are shocked to
behold countless idols, but where they can but admire the wonderful
carvings adorning the walls on three sides. In reply to their query
why the fourth wall is bare, they learn it has been predicted India
shall be conquered by strangers, whose doings are to be depicted on
the fourth side of their temple.

After hearing Da Gama boast about his country, the Zamorin dismisses
him, promising to consider a trade treaty with Portugal. But, during
the next night, Bacchus, disguised as Mahomet, appears to the Moors in
Calicut, and bids them inform the Zamorin that Da Gama is a pirate,
whose rich goods he can secure if he will only follow their advice.

This suggestion, duly carried out, results in Da Gama's detention as a
prisoner when he lands with his goods on the next day. But, although
the prime minister fancies the Portuguese fleet will soon be in his
power, Da Gama has prudently given orders that, should any hostile
demonstration occur before his return, his men are to man the guns and
threaten to bombard the town. When the Indian vessels therefore
approach the Portuguese fleet, they are riddled with shot.

_Book IX._ Because the Portuguese next threaten to attack the town,
the Zamorin promptly sends Da Gama back with a cargo of spices and
gems and promises of fair treatment hereafter. The Portuguese
thereupon sail home, taking with them the faithful Moncaide, who is
converted on the way and baptized as soon as they land at Lisbon.

Book X. On the homeward journey Venus, wishing to reward the brave
Lusitanians for all their pains and indemnify them for their past
hardships, leads them to her "Isle of Joy." Here she and her nymphs
entertain them in the most acceptable mythological style, and a siren
foretells in song all that will befall their native country between
Vasco da Gama's journey and Camoens' time. Venus herself guides the
navigator to the top of a hill, whence she vouchsafes him a panoramic
view of all the kingdoms of the earth and of the spheres which compose
the universe.

In this canto we also have a synopsis of the life of St. Thomas, the
Apostle of Indi