Today is the day Portugal celebrates Camoes Day to honor Luis de Camoes (1524?-1580), Portugal's national poet and greatest literary figure. The more prominent events of his turbulent life include an education at the University of Coimbra; being banished from court (1546); losing an eye in the Moroccan campaign; being imprisoned for fighting in the streets; serving in the military in India; and suffering a shipwreck on his return to Portugal in 1570. His major work, titled THE LUSIADS (1572), is an epic encompassing the voyage of Vasco da Gama; it details much of Portuguese history--and is considered a masterpiece. During his final years, Camoes received a meager royal pension, and died in poverty. Unfortunately for him, his lyrics and sonnets were all published posthumously.

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