1826. ] 
[ .135 J 
THE MAN AND THE TIGER, 
— A Fable. ; 
~~ Exigua res est ipsa justitia. Lat. Prov. 
Iw eastern climes, with prudent care, 
The hunter laid his cunning snare; 
For deep within a neighbouring wood 
Lurked the fell tigress with her brood. 
Caught in his toils, a common fate 
The monster and her young await ; 
One only whelp, whose brilliant hide 
With darker bars was richly dyed, ~ 
From death preserved, was nursed and tamed, 
And from its native rage reclaimed. 
Like to his kindred cat he’d pur, 
And smooth with pliant paw his fur ; 
Like her he’d stretch before the fire, 
And pounce on corks, with mimic ire ; 
And, innocent of blood, would play 
With child or hound the livelong day. 
Thus passed his early years, till age 
Confirmed his strength, matured his rage ; 
Then murd’rous fury filled his breast, 
And all the tiger stood confessed. 
Sudden he seizes on his prize, 
His master’s son a victim lies. 
The eager servants trembling fly, 
With many a blow and many a cry, 
And drive the felon from his prey, 
Roaring his discontent away. “ 
“« Ah, wretch !” the master loud exclaimed, ‘ 
“ By every kind caress untamed, 
Cursed be the hour in which I staid 
The hunter’s fell, uplifted blade. 
Was it for this I spared thy blood, 
Supplied thy youth with daily food ? 
But thou shalt die, though all too late, 
Ingratitude shall meet its fate. 
For though revenge should hold the knife, 
Justice demands thy forfeit life.”” 
“ Fool !”? quoth the tiger, “ not to know, 
By nature I was formed thy foe ; 
These fangs, these claws, by bounteous heay’n 
For bloody purposes were given : 3 
ak though seduced by human art 
id a tame and gentle part, 
(Th canst Rs. alter nature’s will) 
I must remain a tiger still. 
Nay, look at homblilconsider man 
His habits and his passions scat 
Say, can divine or human law ° 
His fierce and restless bosom awe ? 
Religion, policy, are vain 
