2Si '-i'HE LI 01^. 



temper of the Lioness is said to be not so easily dis- 

 covered : when, however, she is attacked with her 

 young, she seems insensible to her own wounds ; 

 and with her head to the ground, and her eyes fixed 

 upon those who would deprive her of her progeny, 

 she seldom fails either to save them, or perish in 

 their defence *. 



The royal dam looks round with proud disdain/^ 

 Lashes her sides, and curls her flowing mane ; 

 No danger Tears, but, willing to engage. 

 With chafing jaws she churns the frothy rage. 

 Redoubled fires flash from her rolling eyes. 

 Clods scatter'd fly, and dusty columns rise. 

 Roaring she frights the herd, and shakes the plain. 

 Mocks the slung stone, and snaps the spear in twain ; 

 Still guards her young, the hunter's motion thwarts. 

 And wrenches from her aides the reeking darts. 

 But when death hovers o'er her swimming eyes, 

 And clotted on the ground life's wasted treasure lies ; 

 When doubtful staggers own the killing wound ; 

 Regardless of herself she looks around. 

 O'er her dear cub her sinking head reclines. 

 In death defends, nor at her fate repines : 

 But dreads to see the wretch a captive made. 

 To hear him roar, and call in vain for aid. 



Kolben^ who seem^ unaccountably to h?ive been 

 iriore partial to the flesh of rapacious animals than 

 that of most others, says, that the Lion is frequentl\- 

 eaten at the Cape, and that the flavour is excellent, 

 being greatly like that of venison •^. 



* Giose, i. 275. t Kblben, ii. 90. 



