The Lusiads · Chapter
Canto II explained
In Canto II, the King of Mombasah, instigated by the demon Bacchus, plots to destroy the Portuguese fleet under the guise of friendship.
What happens
In Canto II, the King of Mombasah, instigated by the demon Bacchus, plots to destroy the Portuguese fleet under the guise of friendship. Venus intercedes with Jupiter, who promises to favor the Portuguese and prophesies their future deeds in the East. Mercury appears to Gama in a dream, warning him to flee Mombasah's treachery. The fleet escapes and reaches Melinde, where the king receives them with hospitality and requests to hear the story of the Portuguese.
Themes in this chapter
Imperialism and Conquest
The Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean is depicted as a divinely favored mission, with the gods themselves intervening to ensure its success.
Fate and Divine Providence
Jupiter's prophecy and Mercury's warning illustrate the belief that the Portuguese voyage is guided by divine will, with the gods actively shaping the outcome.
The Other and Cultural Encounter
The encounter with the Moors of Mombasah and Melinde highlights the cultural and religious tensions between Christians and Muslims, as well as the Portuguese perception of African peoples.
Characters to notice
- Vasco da Gama
The Portuguese captain who receives the false welcome from Mombasah, is warned by Mercury in a dream, and later converses with the King of Melinde.
- Bacchus
The demon who instigates the King of Mombasah to plot against the Portuguese, seeking to destroy them.
- Venus
The goddess who descends to protect the Portuguese fleet and intercedes with Jupiter on their behalf.
- Mercury
The messenger god who appears to Gama in a dream, warning him to flee Mombasah's treachery and guiding him toward Melinde.
- Jove
The king of the gods who promises Venus to favor the Portuguese and prophesies their future deeds in the East.
- The Cat'ual
The Moorish official who delivers the false invitation from the King of Mombasah, attempting to lure the Portuguese into a trap.
Key passages
“Unto the Herald straight our Chief replieth, grateful acknowledging the Royal hest; and saith, that seeing Sol now seawards hieth he may not enter as becomes a guest: But, when returning light shall show where lieth the way sans danger, with a fearless breast, the Royal orders he will list fulfil, a Lord so gracious hath claim higher still.”
Gama politely declines the invitation to enter the harbor at night, promising to comply the next day.
Gama's cautious response to the Moorish herald's invitation.
“When in a vision Maia's son was seen and heard to say: 'Fly, Lusitanian! fly that wicked Monarch's snares, that only mean to draw you forwards where ye surely die: Fly, for breathes fair the breeze and smiles serene Aether, while stormless sleep the seas and sky; in other part another King more benign sure shelter offereth unto thee and thine!'”
Mercury appears to Gama in a dream and warns him to flee Mombasah, promising a friendly king elsewhere.
Mercury's divine warning to Gama.
“He spake, and straight the barges 'gin to row whither the Moorman would review the Fleet; rounding the vessels, one by one, they go that ev'ery not'able thing his glance may meet: But Vulcan skywards voll'eying horr'ible lowe with dire artill'ery hastes the guest to greet, while trumpets loud canorous accents blend; with shawms the Moorish hosts their answer send.”
The Moorish king reviews the Portuguese fleet, which fires a cannon salute in greeting.
The ceremonial exchange between the Portuguese and the King of Melinde.