none of the idioms, peculiar to Azurara; nor does it belong to the 15th century, but rather to the middle or latter part of the 16th, despite the slight archaic atmosphere, shown more especially in the orthography, that hangs about Part I, and ever and anon calls to mind the _Saudades_ of Bernardim Ribeiro. The phrase "achada de novo entre seus papeis", on the title-page of the Romance, evidences nothing, although it is alleged, as already mentioned, that Azurara left MSS. behind him which were explored in the last century by Padre José Pereira de Sant' Anna.[106] EDGAR PRESTAGE. "CHILTERN", BOWDON, _Day of Camöens' Death, 1895_. [Footnote 104: But it is quite a distinct work from that of Diogo Fernandes, though the same period seems to have given them birth.] [Footnote 105: _Vide_ Part I, chs. 1, 4, 6, 17, and 37.] [Footnote 106: Compare, on this question, the following studies:--_Opusculo acerca do Palmeirim de Inglaterra e do seu auctor_, by M. O. Mendes. Lisbon, 1860. _Discurso sobre el Palmeirim de Inglaterra y su verdadero autor_, by N. D. de Benjumea. Lisbon, 1875. _Versuch über den Ritterroman Palmeirim de Inglaterra_, by D. Carolina Michaëlis de Vasconcellos. Halle, 1883.] NOTE.--The elegant signature of Azurara, with its flourishes and general ornateness, a woodcut of which appears below, was copied by my friend the Viscount de Castilho, son of the poet, from an original document in the Torre do Tombo. The writing, it will be observed, is clear and firm, a characteristic of all the Chronicler's signatures, which exist to the number of some half-dozen in the Torre.--E. P. [Illustration of signature] [Illustration] AZURARA'S CHRONICLE OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF GUINEA. THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE. Here beginneth the Chronicle in which are set down all the notable deeds that were achieved in the Conquest of Guinea, written by command of the most high and revered Prince and most virtuous Lord the Infant Don Henry, Duke of Viseu and Lord of Covilham, Ruler and Governor of the Chivalry of the Order of Jesus Christ. The which Chronicle was collected into this volume by command of the most high and excellent Prince, and most powerful Lord the King Don Affonso the Fifth of Portugal. CHAPTER I. Which is the Prologue, wherein the Author sheweth what will be his purpose in this Work.