
audiobook
From the bustling docks of Lisbon to the misty harbors of Portsmouth, a 1662 chronicle unfolds in a richly poetic voice that blends historic detail with lyrical reverence. The narrator, a humble clerk of the royal hospital, offers a heartfelt dedication to the newly crowned queen of Great Britain, weaving together diplomatic gratitude, maritime lore, and the bittersweet mood of farewell. As the fleet cuts through the Atlantic, listeners hear the creak of rigging, the chant of sailors, and the quiet prayers of a nation hoping for peace.
The work moves beyond a simple travelogue, capturing the clash of cultures as Portuguese customs meet English courtly expectations, all rendered in an ornate, almost musical prose. Interludes of hymn‑like verses celebrate the ocean’s breadth, the silver‑clad sunrise, and the promise of new alliances, while subtle hints of political tension linger beneath the surface. This evocative opening invites listeners to imagine the scent of salt, the glow of lanterns on foreign shores, and the timeless yearning of those who set sail in search of favor and destiny.
Language
pt
Duration
~22 minutes (21K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Pedro Saborano (Este ficheiro foi produzido a partir da digitalização do original, disponibilizada pela Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal - This file was produced from images generously made available by the National Library of Portugal)
Release date
2006-10-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1625–1705
A Portuguese Baroque writer of the 17th century, he is remembered for ceremonial and historical accounts tied to royal events and public life. His surviving works offer a small but vivid window into the language and courtly culture of his time.
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