ARAB FASHION OF HUNTING THE LION. 47 



It can be easily imagined that the prospect ahead, causes 

 some hesitation among the hunters, and more particularly 

 among those who have already felt the power of their adver- 

 sary. 



While the Arabs, some standing and some reclining, are 

 discussing with great vehemence the course they are to follow 

 at the edge of the wood, I invite the reader to come with me 

 into the dusky recesses of the thicket to see how the forest 

 monarch is awaiting his guests. 



Under the arching roof made by the interlacing branches 

 of the wild olives and mastic trees, we enter several apart- 

 ments destined for the use of his majesty during the different 

 hours of the day, or temperature of the season. They are 

 all shaded to a pleasant twilight, and the clean and luxu- 

 riant beds of fragrant leaves invite to repose. Here it is 

 that w 7 ith the dawning of the sultry clay, retires the lordly 

 tenant, to digest his meal or toy with his dusky spouse, 

 and where, at the time of the arrival of the hunters, he was 

 stretched on his couch, dreaming in the pauses of his cat-like 

 slumber. 



With the first sound that reached his ear, he listlessly 

 opened his eyes in a dreamy state, without even moving his 

 head ; but as the noise comes to him, more and more distinctly, 

 he raises himself on his belly, and listens with an attentive 

 air. 



At the first hurrah of the hunters, he springs to his feet 

 with a bound, and, shaking his mane, answers the challenge 

 with a roll of thunder, that bids the imprudent huntsmen to 

 tremble at having disturbed the rest of their master. Then 



