His works bear the title "operas" because, though written mainly in prose, they contain songs which Silva introduced in imitation of the true operas which then held the fancy of the public. He was also a lyric poet of real merit, combining correctness of form with a pretty inspiration and real feeling. His plays were published in the first two volumes of a collection entitled "Theatro comico portuguez", which went through at least five editions in the 18th century, while the "Alecrim e Mangerona" appeared separately in some seven editions. This comedy and the "Don Quixote" have been reprinted in a critical edition with a life of Silva by Mendes dos Remedios (Coimbra, 1905).