Língua Portuguesa

Olavo Bilac's poem 'Língua Portuguesa' is a profound ode to the Portuguese language, capturing its essence through rich metaphors and vivid imagery. The opening line, 'Última flor do lácio, inculta e bela,' refers to Portuguese as the 'last flower of Latium,' highlighting its Latin roots and its unique beauty despite being 'uncultivated.' This juxtaposition of 'esplendor e sepultura' (splendor and tomb) suggests that the language is both a treasure and a burden, a theme that resonates throughout the poem.

Bilac's use of metaphors like 'ouro nativo' (native gold) and 'bruta mina' (crude mine) further emphasizes the raw, unrefined beauty of the language. He portrays Portuguese as a hidden gem, buried among the 'cascalhos' (gravel), waiting to be discovered and appreciated. This duality is also evident in the description of the language as both a 'tuba de alto clangor' (trumpet of high clangor) and a 'lira singela' (simple lyre), capturing its capacity for both grandeur and simplicity.

The poem also delves into the emotional and cultural significance of the language. Bilac speaks of the 'viço agreste' (wild vigor) and 'aroma' (scent) of the language, evoking images of untamed forests and vast oceans. This connection to nature underscores the organic, living quality of Portuguese. The language is also a vessel for personal and historical memories, as seen in the lines 'Em que da voz materna ouvi: Meu filho' (In which I heard from my mother's voice: My son) and 'E em que Camões chorou, no exílio amargo' (And in which Camões wept, in bitter exile). These references to maternal love and the poet Camões' suffering in exile highlight the deep emotional resonance and historical weight carried by the language.