Epistola de Manoel Mendes Fogaça Dirigida de lisboa a hum amigo da sua terra, em que lhe refere como de repente se fez poeta, e lhe conta as proezas de hum rafeiro.

A lively missive arrives from Lisbon, where a self‑declared poet bursts onto the scene with exuberant verses and a tongue‑in‑cheek swagger. He jokes about the “contagion” of poetry spreading through taverns and theatres, chanting patriotic slogans while sipping punch and watching the city’s bustling life. The letter’s rhythm captures the chaotic charm of early‑19th‑century Portugal, mixing satire, philosophical musings, and vivid street‑level observations.

At the heart of his narrative is a remarkable Rafeiro—a sturdy, free‑spirited dog that roams the streets without master or leash. The poet sketches the dog’s noble bearing, its fearless encounters with the city’s rougher elements, and its uncanny ability to navigate both aristocratic courts and humble alleys. Through witty description, the writer celebrates this canine’s independence, turning the animal into a symbol of unbridled vigor and subtle rebellion, inviting listeners to follow its curious exploits through Lisbon’s lively avenues.