Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Asia: Vols. XXI–XXIII. 1876–79. | | | | Introductory to Japan | | Japan | | Luís de Camões (c. 1524–1580) |
| | (From The Lusiad)
Translated by W. J. Mickle
THESE shores forsake, to future ages due: | |
| A world of islands claims thy happier view, | |
| Where lavish Nature all her bounty pours, | |
| And flowers and fruits of every fragrance showers. | |
| Japan behold; beneath the globe’s broad face | 5 |
| Northward she sinks, the nether seas embrace | |
| Her eastern bounds; what glorious fruitage there, | |
| Illustrious Gama, shall thy labors bear! | |
| How bright a silver mine! when heaven’s own lore | |
| From Pagan dross shall purify her ore. | 10 | | | |
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