ELEPHANT. 
135 
Cf Two men, absolutely naked, without any rag or 
covering at all about them, get on horseback ; this 
precaution is for fear of being laid hold of by the 
trees or bushes in making their escape from a very 
watchful enemy. One of these riders sits upon 
the back of the horse, sometimes with a saddle, 
and sometimes without one, with only a switch or 
short stick in one hand, carefully managing the 
bridle with the other; behind him sits his com- 
panion, who has no other arms but a broad sword, 
such as is used by Sclavonians, and which is brought 
from Trieste. His left hand is employed grasping 
the sword by the handle ; about fourteen inches of 
the blade is covered with whip-cord. This part he 
takes in his right hand, without any danger of being 
hurt by it ; and, though the edges of the lower part 
of the sword are as sharp as a razor, he carries it 
without a scabbard. 
“ As soon as the elephant is found feeding, the 
horseman rides before him as near his face as pos- 
sible ; or if he flies, crosses him in all directions, 
crying out — c I am such a man and such a man ; 
this is my horse, that has such a name ; I killed 
your father in such a place, and your grandfather in 
such another place ; and I am now come to kill you ; 
you are but an ass in comparison of them.’ This 
nonsense he verily believes the elephant under- 
stands, who, chafed and angry at hearing the 
noise immediately before him, seeks to seize him 
with his trunk, or proboscis, and, intent upon this, 
