The Columbiad · Chapter
Epigraph explained
The epigraph from Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberta invokes Columbus as a figure whose future voyages will surpass the fame of ancient heroes, suggesting his deeds will be worthy of epic poetry and history.
What happens
The epigraph from Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberta invokes Columbus as a figure whose future voyages will surpass the fame of ancient heroes, suggesting his deeds will be worthy of epic poetry and history.
Themes in this chapter
Discovery and Exploration
The epigraph directly praises Columbus's future voyage to a 'new pole,' highlighting the theme of exploration.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Columbus
Addressed as the one who will spread sails to a new pole, surpassing the fame of Alcides and Bacchus.
Key passages
“Tu spiegherai, Colombo, a un novo polo Lontane sì le fortunate antenne, Ch’a pena seguirà con gli occhi il volo La Fama, ch’ hà mille occhi e mille penne.”
You, Columbus, will spread your fortunate sails so far toward a new pole that Fame, with her thousand eyes and thousand wings, will scarcely follow your flight with her gaze.
The epigraph foretells Columbus's journey to an unknown world, emphasizing the vastness of his achievement.
“Canti ella Alcide, e Bacco; e di te solo Basti a i posteri tuoi, ch’ alquanto accenne: Chè quel poco darà lunga memoria Di poema degnissima, e d’istoria.”
Let her sing of Alcides and Bacchus; but of you alone let it suffice for your descendants that she hints a little: for that little will give long memory, most worthy of poem and history.
The epigraph suggests Columbus's deeds will surpass those of ancient heroes and be worthy of epic poetry and history.