THE MAMMALS OF SHAKSPEARE. 327 
of the latter range of mountains—7.e. in the Mediterranean sub- 
region—I ain unable to say. 
Tue Exeruant, Elephas 
The Elephant is mentioned three times in Troilus and Cressida 
as an adjective or epithet, and once in Julius Cesar, Act ii., 
Scene 1. 
Utysszs. “ The elephant hath joints, but none for courtesy : his legs are 
legs for necessity, not for flexure.”—Troilus and Cressida, Act ii., Scene 3. 
Tue Rat, Mus rattus. 
In all probability the only rat known to Shakspeare was the old 
English Black Rat, now nearly if not quite extinct. It is frequently 
alluded to in the plays. King Lear pathetically exclaims :— 
“« Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, 
And thou no breath at all?” 
King Lear. Act v., Scene 3. 
Tue Mouse, Mus museulus. 
The Common Mouse and Field Mice are repeatedly mentioned 
by Shakspeare. 
** Look, look, a mouse ! 
Peace, peace ;—this piece of toasted cheese will do 't.” 
King Lear. Act iv., Scene 6. 
TxEe Dormouse, Mus avellanarius, 
Occurs only once, as an adjective—viz. in Twelfth Night, Act iii., 
Scene 2— 
Pasian. “She did show favour to the youth in your sight only to 
exasperate you, to awake your dormouse courage, to put fire in your heart, 
and brimstone in your liver.” 
THe SquimeeL, Sciurus ewropeus. 
Titana says :— 
“‘T have a venturous fairy that shall seek 
The squirrel’s hoard, and fetch thee new nuts.” 
Mercutio, speaking of the fairy Queen Mab, describes— 
“ Her chariot is an empty hazel-nut 
Made by the joiner squirrel.” 
