THE FELINE. 6,* 



furious, and toiled the soldiers greatly to keep them 

 in the circle, and to drive them from mountains and 

 precipices ; hut not an animal escaped their vigi- 

 lance. 



" Couriers went from different quarters to advise 

 the Grand Khan of what was passing, and to give 

 him news of the princes who shared the diversion 

 and confusion of the chase. The Emperor kept a 

 strict eye on the conduct of the troops. The wild 

 beasts being now hard pressed, the strong leaped 

 on the weakest, and tore them in pieces ; bat their 

 fury did not last long. 



" The timbrels, drums, and other instruments, were 

 now played upon ; which, with the shouts and cries 

 of the soldiers, so frightened these wild animals, that 

 they lost all their fierceness. The lions and tigers 

 grew gentle ; bears and wild boars, like the most 

 timid creatures, seemed cast down and amazed. 



" The trumpets being sounded, the Grand Khan 

 entered the circle first, holding in one hand his 

 naked sword, and in the other his bow ; his quiver 

 was across his shoulder. He was attended by some 

 of his sons, and all his general officers. He himself 

 began the slaughter, striking the fiercest beasts, 

 some of which became furious, and endeavoured to 

 defend their lives. At last the Emperor retreated 

 to an eminence, seated himself upon a throne pre- 

 pared for him. From thence he observed the strength 

 arid agility of his children, and all the officers who 

 attacked the savage animals. Whatever danger they 



