Canto IV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Nationalism and Patriotism

  The chapter glorifies Portuguese military victories and the heroic efforts of its navigators, emphasizing national pride.

• Heroism and Glory

  The feats of Nuno Alvares Pereira and the brave volunteers for the voyage highlight heroic ideals.

• Fate and Divine Providence

  The narrative suggests divine favor in Portugal's successes and the calling of the voyage.

• Exploration and Discovery

  The chapter details the preparations and motivations for the voyage to India, a key exploratory mission.

Characters to notice

• Vasco da Gama

  Narrates Portuguese history and the preparations for the voyage to India.

• Nuno Alvares Pereira

  Constable whose military feats and victory at Aljubarrota are recounted.

• Paul da Gama

  Vasco's brother who volunteers for the voyage.

• Nicholas Coelho

  Volunteers for the voyage, praised for valor and counsel.

• Man'oel

  King who resolved upon the voyage and prepared the fleet.

• Afonso IV

  Mentioned in the context of royal lineage and the succession.

Key passages

• “After the horrors of the stormy Night, with gloom, and lightning-gleams, and hiss of wind, breaks lovely Morning’s pure and blessèd light, with hope of haven and sure rest to find”

  After the dark and stormy night, a beautiful morning brings hope and safety.

  Opening metaphor for the end of turmoil and the beginning of a new era.

• “Thus to the doughty kingdom it befell, when King Fernando bade this world farewell.”

  This is what happened to the brave kingdom when King Fernando died.

  Transition to the historical narrative of succession.

• “For, if so many with such hopes were firèd for one whose potent arm their harms could pay on those, that wrought their wrongs with soul untirèd, nerved by Fernando’s heedless, feeble way; in shortest time it happed as they desirèd, when ever-glorious John arose to sway, the only heir that did from Pedro spring, and (though a bastard) every inch a King.”

  Many hoped for a strong ruler to right the wrongs of Fernando's weak reign, and their hopes were fulfilled when John, Pedro's heir, became king.

  Introduction of King John I and the promise of a stronger rule.

• “That such accession came from Heaven divine proved ’special marvels, God His truth proclaiming, when Ev’ora city saw the choicest sign, a babe of age unspeech’d the ruler naming; and, but to show the Heav’en’s supreme design, she raised her cradled limbs and voice, exclaiming⁠— ‘Portugal! Port’ugal!’ high uplifting hand, ‘for the new king, Dom John, who rules the land.’”

  Divine signs confirmed John's accession, including a miraculous baby in Evora who spoke Portugal's name.

  Emphasizes divine providence in John's rise to power.

• “Changèd in sprite were all within the Reign, old hatreds firing hearts with novel flame; absolute cruelties none cared restrain popular Fury dealt to whence it came: Soon are the friends and kith and kinsmen slain of the adult’erous County and the Dame, with whom incont’inent love and lust unblest, the wappen’d widow showèd manifest.”

  The new reign brought violent reprisals against those associated with the adulterous Count and his lady.

  Describes the bloody aftermath of the succession.

• “But he, dishonour’d and with cause, at last by cold white weapon falls before her eyes, and with him many to destruction past; for flame so kindled all consuming flies: This, like Astyanax, is headlong cast from the tall steeple (’spite his dignities); whom orders, altar, honours, nought avail; those through the highways torn and stript they trail.”

  The dishonored Count is killed, and many others are executed or dragged through the streets.

  Graphic depiction of the violence following the political change.