Africa

Teneo te, Africa
(I take possession of thee, O Africa)

When Cæsar landed at Adrumetum, in Africa, he tripped and fell—a bad omen; but, with wonderful presence of mind, he pretended that he had done so intentionally, and kissing the soil, exclaimed, “Thus do I take possession of thee, O Africa.” Told also of Scipio. (See Don Quixote, Pt. II. Bk. vi. ch.6.)

Africa semper aliquid novi affert
(Africa is always producing some novelty)

A Greek proverb quoted (in Latin) by Pliny, in allusion to the ancient belief that Africa abounded in strange monsters.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

African Sisters

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