192 



HISTORY OF THE SEA. 



King John, before his death, and shortly after the return of 

 Diaz, had ordered timber to be purchased for the construction 

 of ships fit to cope with the storms of the redoubtable Cape. 

 Emmanuel now sought a capable commander, and, after much 

 deliberation, fixed upon a gentleman of his own household, 

 Vasco da Gama by name, a native of the seaport of Sines, and 

 already favorably known for enterprise and naval skill. We 

 are told that "he was formed for the service to which he was 

 called, — violent indeed in his temper, terrible in anger, and 

 sudden in the execution of justice, but at the same time intrepid, 

 persevering, patient in difficulties, fertile in expedients, and 

 superior to all discouragement. He devoted himself to death if 

 ' he should not succeed, and this from a sense of religion and 

 loyalty." When the king acquainted him with the mission 

 intrusted to his charge, Vasco replied that he had long aspired to 

 the honor of conducting such an undertaking. Camoens makes 

 da Gama thus describe his acceptance of the honor: 



" 'Let skies on fire, 

 Let frozen seas, let horrid war, conspire : 

 I dare them all,' I cried, 'and but repine 

 That one poor life is all I can resign.' " 



The most distinguished members of the Portuguese nobility 

 were present at this interview. The king gave da Gama, with 

 his own hands, the flag he was to bear, — a white cross enclosed 

 within a red one, — the Cross of the military Order of Christ. 

 Upon this he took the oath of allegiance. Emmanuel then 

 delivered him the journal of Covillam, with such charts as were 

 then in existence, and letters to all the Indian potentates who 

 had become known to the Portuguese. Among these was of 

 course one addressed to the renowned Prester John. 



A map of Africa had been lately designed, in accordance 

 with the discoveries made by land, as we have mentioned, by 

 Covillam. The accompanying specimen is a fac-simile of one 

 which belonged to Juan de la Cosa-— the pilot of Columbus. 



