without avail to a man whose life was to be spent in continuous and
insatiate efforts to work out a great idea. Prince Henry was with his
father at the memorable capture of Ceuta, the ancient Seplem, in the year
1415. This town, which lies opposite to Gibraltar, was of great
magnificence, and one of the principal marts in that age for the
productions of the eastern world. It was here that the Portuguese
first planted a firm foot in Africa; and the date of this town's capture
may, perhaps, be taken as that from which Prince Henry began to meditate
further and far greater conquests. His aims, however, were directed to a
point long beyond the range of the mere conquering soldier. He was
especially learned, for that age of the world, being skilled in
mathematical and geographical knowledge. He eagerly acquired from Moors of
Fez and Morocco, such scanty information as could be gathered concerning
the remote districts of Africa. The shrewd conjectures of learned men, the
confused records of Arabic geographers, the fables of chivalry, were not
without their influence upon an enthusiastic mind. The especial reason
which impelled the prince to take the burden of discovery on himself was
that neither mariner nor merchant would be likely to adopt an enterprise
in which there was no clear hope of profit. It belonged, therefore, to
great men and princes; and amongst such, he knew of no one but himself who
was inclined to it. This is not an uncommon motive. A man sees something
that ought to be done, knows of no one that will do it but himself, and so
is driven to the enterprise even should it be repugnant to him.

[Illustration: MAP OF WESTERN AFRICAN COAST.]


IMPORTANT EXPEDITION

Prince Henry, then, having once the well-grounded idea in his mind that