Records of Captain Clapperton's Last Expedition Africa VOL. II.

Abstract

THE Character Plutarch gives of the Athenians is strictly applicable to the people of Africa in general, in times of peace:-" They are easily provoked to anger, and as easily induced to resume sentiments of benevolence and compassion." This we found to be true in numberless instances; particularly amongst the gentler sex, whose apprehensions are quicker and livelier, and whose finer feelings more easily excited than those of their male companions. We not unfrequently observed persons quarrelling and fighting in one moment, with all the bitterness of angry and elevated passions, and in the next as gentle as lambs, and the most cordial friends in the universe; forgetting their previous noisy dispute in the performance of reciprocal acts of kindness and good nature.