# Epigraph explained — The Columbiad

> Chapter companion for The Columbiad by Joel Barlow.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Christopher Columbus

Addressed as the one who will spread sails to a new pole, surpassing the fame of Alcides and Bacchus.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/chapters