THE LION. 229 



all these circumstances, added to the rapidity of his movements, 

 are highly calculated to impress these animals with an idea of 

 his superior power, which, in sudden bursts of his passion, can 

 even make them crouch in the corner of their cage. His exhi- 

 bition when in London proved highly attractive j and so fre- 

 quently did Her Majesty honour it with her presence, that she 

 at length acquired the title of " The Lady of Lyons." Indeed 

 there were many others of the fair sex among the company, 

 in spite of the declaration of Snug the joiner, alias Bottom : 



" Masters, you ought to consider ere you bring in a lion. God shield us ! 

 a lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing : for there is not a more fearful 

 wild-fowl than your lion living." 



(Mid. Night's Dream, Act III. Sc. 1.) 



The lioness goes with young twelve months, and usually 

 brings forth two cubs ; but one in Wombwell's travelling 

 menagerie has repeatedly had four at a litter. A lioness and 

 her cubs form one of the most interesting sights in such a 

 collection. 



" Lions," says Lord Bacon, " are accounted long livers, 



