Verse may picture the feelings of the author, or it may only picture
his fancy. To assume the former position, is not always safe; and in
two memorable instances a series of sonnets has been used to
construct a _baseless fabric_ of biography.
In the accompanying sonnet, there is no such uncertainty. It was
communicated to me by John Adamson, Esq., M.R.S.L., &c., honourably
known by a translation of the tragedy of _Dona Ignez de Castro_,
from the Portuguese of Nicola Luiz, and by a _Memoir of the life and
writings of Camoens_, &c. It was not intended for publication, but
now appears, at my request.
Mr. Adamson, it should be stated, is a corresponding member of the
Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon, and has received diplomas of
the orders of Christ and the Tower-and-Sword. The _coming storm_
alludes to the menace of invasion by France.
"SONNET.
"O Portugal! whene'er I see thy name
What proud emotions rise within my breast!
To _thee_ I owe--from _thee_ derive that fame
Which here may linger when I lie at rest.
When as a youth I landed on thy shore,
How little did I think I e'er could be
Worthy the honours thou has giv'n to me;
And when the coming storm I did deplore,
Drove me far from thee by its hostile threat--
With feelings which can never be effaced,
I learn'd to commune with those writers old
Who had the deeds of they great chieftains told;
Departed bards in converse sweet I met,
I'd seen where they had liv'd--the land Camoens grac'd."
I venture to add the titles of two interesting volumes which have
been printed subsequently to the publications of Lowndes and Martin.
It may be a useful hint to students and collectors:--
"BIBLIOTHECA LUSITANA, or catalogue of books and tracts, relating to
the history, literature, and poetry, of Portugal: forming part of
the library of John Adamson, M.R.S.L. etc. _Newcastle on Tyne_, 1836.
8vo.
"LUSITANIA ILLUSTRATA; notices on the history, antiquities,
literature, etc. of Portugal. Literary department. Part I. Selection
of sonnets, with biographical Sketches of the author, by John
Adamson, M.R.S.L. etc. _Newcastle upon Tyne_, 1842. 8vo."