ADVICE TO THE AMATEUR LION HUNTER. 171 



feels his breath ; his head is well placed. A shot is heard, 

 and all is over. 



One hour after, our three assassins are snoring under their 

 fathers' tents, perfect pictures of boyish innocence. 



The next day, the child is proclaimed a man, and is enti- 

 tled to a voice in the councils of the nation. 



His comrades speak to him with deference, and some 

 pretty girl will recompense his noble action with fne warm 

 embraces of a desert maid. 



The man who has received such an education, is necessa- 

 rily courageous, especially during the night. 



Among all those surrounding you, there are twenty who 

 will present their heads to the yataghan without the least 

 emotion ; but you will not find one bold enough openly to 

 attack their leonine foe who does them so much harm. 



From whence comes this respect of the Arab for the lion ? 

 It proceeds from the numberless examples the latter has 

 given of his strength and courage. 



In the numerous struggles and combats, the lion has 

 always been the stronger, and when he has yielded to num- 

 bers, the victory has been dearly bought. 



Behold European, and especially Frenchman, who are held in 

 such poor esteem by the Arabs, what a noble mission is yours. 



If you do good in giving to the poor, they will say that 

 you do not know what to do with your money, and will hate 

 you; if you do good in rendering justice, they will say that 

 you do that in order to draw them to you, and convert them 

 to your belief, customs and religion, and they will mistrust 

 you. 



