294 
LIFE, IN ITS HIGHER FORMS. 
new struggles of the Black one gained an unexpected supe- 
riority; it acquired two great folds likewise, which neces- 
sarily extended the body of its adversary, in proportion as 
it had contracted its own. These efforts were alternate ; 
victory seemed doubtful, inclining sometimes to one side, 
sometimes to the other, until at last the stalk to which the 
Black Snake was fastened suddenly gave way, and, in con- 
sequence of this accident, they both plunged into the ditch. 
The water did not extinguish their vindictive rage, for by 
their agitations I could still trace, though I could not dis- 
tinguish, their attacks. They soon reappeared on the sur- 
face twisted together, as in their first onset: but the Black 
Snake seemed to retain its wonted superiority ; for its head 
was exactly fixed above that of the other, which it inces- 
santly pressed down under the water, until its opponent 
was stifled, and sank. The victor no sooner perceived its 
enemy incapable of further resistance, than, abandoning it 
to the current, it returned to the shore and disappeared.” 
