SOURCE: “The Epic of the Lusiads,” in Luis de Camöens and the Epic of the Lusiads, University of Oklahoma Press, 1962, pp. 189-202.

In this excerpt, Hart considers the political and financial pressures that influenced Camões while writing The Lusiads. He also briefly discusses Camões career and reputation immediately following the publication of the epic, in addition to the changing political situation in Portugal.

To serve thee with arm well trained in war, Mind devoted to the Muse. 

—Camoëns, Lusiads, X, 155

Evidently, as soon as possible after his return to Portugal Camoëns turned his energies to the difficult task of having his Lusiads recognized and published. With his ardent love of country and his concern for what he perceived of her social and moral deterioration, as revealed in many of his verses, it would seem that he desired it to be published and widely...