E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ga’ma (g hard).
Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese, was the first European navigator who doubled the Cape of Good Hope.
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“With such mad seas the daring Gama fought …
Incessant labouring round the stormy Cape.”
Thomson: Summer.
Vasco da Gama. The hero of Camoëns’ Lusiad. He is represented as sagacious, intrepid, tender-hearted, pious, fond of his country, and holding his temper in full command. He is also the hero of Meyerbeer’s posthumous opera, L’Africaine.
