CURIOUS CREATURES. 83 



and he gives a drawing from that author, so that the 

 reader might diligently meditate whether such an animal 

 was possible in a natural state of things ; but the artist 

 seems to have forgotten the fore-legs. 



The Onocentaur is a monstrous beast ; 



Supposed halfe a man, and halfe an Asse, 



That never shuts his eyes in quiet rest, 



Till he his foes deare life hath round encompast. 

 Such were the Centaures in their tyrannic, 

 That liv'd by Humane flesh and villanie." 



CHESTER. 



THE GORGON. 



In the title-page of one edition of " The Historic of 

 Foure- footed Beastes " (1607) Topsell gives this picture of 

 the Gorgon ; and he says, respecting this curious animal, 

 the following : " Among the manifold and divers sorts 



