1812. 
RENCOUNTER WITH A BLACK LION. 
191 
banks of the river, which in this part abounded in tall mat-rushes. 
The dogs seemed much to enjoy prowling about and examining 
every bushy place, and at last met with some object among the 
rushes, which caused them to set up a most vehement and determined 
barking. We explored the spot with caution, as we suspected from 
the peculiar tone of their bark that it was, what it proved to be, lions. 
Having encouraged the dogs to drive them out, a task which they 
performed with great willingness, we had a full view, of an enormous 
black-maned lion, and a lioness. The latter, was seen only for a 
minute, as she made her escape up the river, under concealment of the 
rushes ; but the lion came steadily forward and stood still to look at us, 
At this moment we felt our situation not free from danger, as the ani- 
mal seemed preparing to spring upon us, and we were standing on 
the bank at the distance of only a few yards from him, most of us 
being on foot and unarmed, without any visible possibility of escap- 
ing. I had given up my horse to the hunters and was on foot my- 
self ; but there was no time for fear, and it was useless to attempt 
avoiding him. Poor Truy was in great alarm ; she clasped her infant 
to her bosom, and screamed out, as if she thought her destruction 
inevitable, calling anxiously to those who were nearest the animal. 
Take care ! Take care ! In great fear for my safety, she half-insisted 
upon my moving farther off : I however, stood well upon my guard, 
holding my pistols in my hand, with my finger upon the trigger ; 
and those who had muskets kept themselves prepared in the same 
manner. But at this instant, the dogs boldly flew in between us and 
the lion, and surrounding him, kept him at bay by their violent and 
resolute barking. The courage of these faithful animals, was most 
admirable : they advanced up to the side of the huge beast, and 
stood making the greatest clamor in his face, without the least ap- 
pearance of fear. The lion, conscious of his strength, remained un- 
moved at their noisy attempts, and kept his head turned towards us. 
At one moment, the dogs perceiving his eye thus engaged, had 
advanced close to his feet, and seemed as if they would actually 
seize hold of him ; but they paid dearly for their imprudence, for 
without discomposing the majestic and steady attitude in which he 
