Camoes, Luis Vaz De: - "Luís Vaz de Camões (c. 1524 or 1525 - 20 June 1580) is considered Portugal's and the Portuguese language's greatest poet. His mastery has been compared to that of Shakespeare, Homer, Virgil and Dante. He wrote a considerable amount of lyrical poetry and drama but is best remembered for his epic work Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads). His collection of poetry The Parnasum of Luís de Camões was lost during his life. The day of his death, 10 June (old style), is Portugal's national day. He spent many years serving in the Portuguese military and wrote a considerable part of his epic while assigned to Macau."