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258 ANCIENT PORTUGUESE BALLADS.
The demon flew ; at eve the ship Was anchored safe within the bay.
It is somewhat singular that with all the enterprise of the Portuguese upon the sea during their period of national glory, their perilous and adventurous navigations, and their many successful engagements in marine warfare, there should be so few ballads relating to the sea-faring exploits. There is one, however, Don Juan d'Armada, which seems to relate to some definite victory over the Turks, but the occasion and even the name of the hero are not recorded in authentic history. It has many features, however, which would indicate that it was the account of an actual event.
DON JUAN D'ARMADA.
His Majesty, God guard him, gave order for the fleet To sail at early daybreak the Turkish foe to meet. The admiral's ship at midnight fires the signal gun, And to the quay distracted the maids and matrons run. Sons and lovers they embrace ; they weep with bitter tears ; Their voices break with sorrow; their hearts are swelled with fears.
On board the busy vessels the noises grow more loud, The masters and the boatswains rush eager in the crowd, The captain of each frigate his silver whistle blows, And on the lofty yard-arms the sailors stand in rows. The white sails drop and belly out before the swelling breeze ; |
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