AN ELEPHANT-FIGHT. 
131 
each perceived that he had a rival, there was a 
mutual pause of some duration. 
These were indeed the proud exulting monarchs 
Of the huge herd ; their mighty roar invites 
Grateful their willing mates ; down their broad cheeks 
The viscid fluid sheds such cooling odour, 
As from the newly ripe kadamba breathes. 
They rend away the lotus leaf and stem 
And roots and filaments, as in the lake 
They madly plunge, affrighting from their nests 
The osprey and the saras,* and to the tune 
Of their ferocious loves, their ponderous ears 
Waved dancing, lash the water into foam. t 
It was evident that neither was desirous of com- 
mencing hostilities,, for each stood alternately looking 
at the female and at his rival, fearful and undeter- 
mined. The men on horseback were already prepar- 
ing with their long spears, to urge them on to the 
attack, when one of the huge champions, more resolute 
than his adversary, advanced towards the female, 
still with great caution, evidently by no means anxi- 
ous to begin the encounter, though desirous of inviting 
her companionship without the intervention of a rival. 
This was a thing not to be quietly endured ; the other 
elephant, therefore, eyeing him suspiciously, bent for- 
ward with the same slow movement, following him 
step by step. There was now a prospect of immediate 
collision, and the eyes of the spectators were fixed 
upon the objects of their eager curiosity. As the 
two unwieldy combatants had gradually approached 
* The Indian crane. 
t Hindoo Theatre. 
