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Methinks I hear the shades that hover round
Of English heroes heave the sigh profound,
Prophetic of the kindred fate that lowers,
O'er Albion's fleets and London's proudest towers.
Broad was the firm-based structure and sublime,
That Gama fondly rear'd on India's clime:
On justice and benevolence he placed
Its ponderous weight, and warlike trophies graced
Its mounting turrets; and o'er Asia wide
Great Albuquerk[1] renown'd its generous pride.
The injured native sought its friendly shade,
And India's Princes blest its powerful aid:
Till from corrupted passion's basest hour
Rose the dread dæmon of tyrannic power.
Sampayo's heart, where dauntless valour reign'd,
And counsel deep, she seiz'd and foul profaned.
- ↑ Albuquerk, Sampayo, Nunio, Castro, are distinguished characters in the Lusiad, and in the History of Portuguese Asia.
Then
