APPENDIX 335 



He fired many times in succession and totally paralysed 

 the animal. 



The lion roared like thunder as the bullets found their 

 way to his heart. 



This Englishman, Patterson, is most brave, and is indeed 

 the very essence of valour ; 



Lions do not fears lions, yet one glance from Patterson 

 Sahib cowed the bravest of them. 



He fled, making for the forest, while the bullets followed 

 hard after him ; 



So was this man-eater rendered helpless ; he lay down 

 in despair, 



And after he had covered a chain's distance, the savage 

 beast fell down, a corpse. 



Now the people, bearing lights in their hands, all ran to 

 look at their dead enemy. 



But the Sahib said " Return, my children ; the night is 

 dark, do not rush into danger." 



And in the morning all the people saw the lion lying 

 dead. 



And then the Sahib said, " Do not think of work to-day 

 make holiday, enjoy and be merry." 



So the people had holiday and made merry with friends 

 from whom they had been long parted, on account of the 

 lion : 



And the absence of those who had run away was 

 forgiven, and their money allowed them 



A generous action, comparable to the forgiveness of God 

 and the Prophet to sinners and criminals on the day of 

 judgment. 



Oh ! poet, leave this kind of simile, it is too deep for 

 thee ; 



We mortals have the Devil, like unto a fierce lion, ever 

 after us ; 



Oh ! Roshan, may God, the Prophet, and your spiritual 

 adviser, safeguard you day and night ! 



