Vasco Da Gama departeth from Melinde; and, while he voyageth prosperously, Bacchus descendeth to the sea: Description of Neptune’s Palace: The same (Bacchus) convoketh the Sea-gods and persuadeth them to destroy the Navigators: Meanwhile Velloso entertaineth his mates with the tale of the “Twelve of England”: An horrible storm ariseth: It is calmed by Venus and her Nymphs: At length they arrive in calm weather at Calecut, the last and longed-for bourne of this navigation.
Illustrious Gama from Melindé saileth, (1–5) With native Pilots and fresh nutriment; Descends Lyaeus seaward; Neptune haileth (6–37) The Gods who rule the humid element: Velloso, giving praise and honour, telleth (38–69) Of th’ “English Twelve” the Tale of Tournament: Succoureth Venus her long suff’ering Fleet (70–91) And thus the wisht-for strand of Inde they greet. (92–end)