THE LIO^. Q8l 



one can do so without especial permission from the 

 king. When Sir Thomas Roe was at this court, as 

 ambassador from James the F'irst, a Lion and a Wolf 

 broke into the court-yard of his house ; and it was 

 not till he had sent to the palace, and obtained 

 leave, that he dared to attack them *. 



The roaring of the Lion when in quest of prey, 

 resembles the sound of distant thunder ; and, being 

 re-echoed by the rocks and mountains, appals the 

 whole race of animals, and puts them to a sudden 

 flight ; but he frequently varies his voice into a hi- 

 deous scream or yell. 



He is commonly said to devour as much at once 

 as will serve him for two or three days ; and, when 

 satiated with food, to remain in a state of retirement 

 in his den, which he seldom leaves except for the 

 purpose of prowling about for prey. His teeth are 

 so strong, that he breaks the bones of animals with 

 perfect ease, and often swallows them along with the 

 flesh. His tongue is furnished with reversed prickles, 

 so large and strong as to be capable of lacerating the 

 skin. When he is enraged, or in want of food, he 

 erects and shakes his mane, and beats his tail with 

 considerable violence against his back and sides -j-. 

 In this state, the inhabitants of the Cape say, it is cer 

 tain death to any person who happens unfortunately 

 to approach him ; but when the mane and tail are at 

 rest, and the animal is in a placid humour, travellers 

 may in general pass near him with safety ;{:. — The 



Voya-:; to India, in Churchlirs Coil. i. 795. t Grose, i. '27u, 

 X Kolbeii. 



