96 THE LION. 



victor, both in the public arena, and when attacked 

 openly ; and, unless two lions hunt in concert, the 

 " horned front" proves a sufficient defence, and the 

 powerful assailant is gored in the attack, which se- 

 vere hunger may force him to brave openly. It is 

 asserted by the native African tribes, and told to 

 European travellers by the chiefs, that the camel- 

 leopard is sometimes also attacked ; and the strength 

 of that animal is such, that the assailer is sometimes 

 earned to a distance of fifteen or twenty miles, be- 

 fore terror and the loss of blood cause it to sink. 

 The truth of this has often been questioned ; for our 

 own part, we believe in the attack, but doubt the 

 ride. It has been, however, sufficient authority for 

 the poet ; and, in a South African periodical, we 

 find a short poem devoted to this subject. The de- 

 scription of the ride may not be without interest. 



" The desert rings 



With clanging sound of desperate strife ; 



For the prey is strong, and strives for life ; 



Plunging oft, with frantic bound, 



To shake the tyrant to the ground ; 



Then bursts like whirlwind through the waste, 



In hope to 'scape by headlong haste : 



In vain ! The spoiler on his prize 



Rides proudly, tearing as he flies. 



For life the victim's utmost speed 



Is mustered in this hour of need; 



For life for life his giant might 



He strains, and pours his soul in flight ; 



And, mad with terror, thirst, and pain, 



Spurns with wild hoof the thund'ring plain. 



