The Mastiff. 
29 
THE MASTIFF 
Js the largest of the whole species : he is a strong and 
fierce animal, with short pendent ears and a large head, 
large and thick lips hanging on each side, and a noble 
countenance ; he is a faithful guardian, and a powerful 
defender of the house. 
A curious account is given by Stow, of an engagement 
between three Mastiffs and a lion, in the presence of 
James the First. " One of the Dogs being put into the 
den, was soon disabled by the lion, which took him by 
the head and neck, and dragged him about : another Dog 
was then let loose, and served in the same manner : but 
the third, being put in, immediately seized the lion by 
the lip, and held him for a considerable time ; till, being 
severely torn by his claws, the Dog was obliged to quit 
his hold ; and the lion, greatly exhausted in the conflict, 
refused to renew the engagement ; but, taking a sudden 
leap over the Dogs, fled into the interior part of the den. 
Two of the Dogs soon died of their wounds ; the last 
survived, and was taken great care of by the king's son, 
who said, ' He that had fought with the king of the 
