Fighting Bears. 
81 
haire, with little and sharpe eares, both of a little head, and also with 
an eminent snout from the eyes, more then a foote long, round like 
a walking-staffe, suddenly decreasing at the end, so that it is alto¬ 
gether of an equall thicknesse, with so narrow a mouth that it can 
scarce receive the little finger. None may he found more monstrous: 
afterward, when this wilae beast is taken, gathering her foure feet 
together, shee bendeth her selfe to the one side or the other, or falleth 
flat downe : nor can shee ever bee raised, nor compelled to eate, unlesse 
ants be given her, on which shee also feedeth in the woods.” ( Purchas , 
vol. iv. p. 1328.) 
Besides ants and other insects, the coati lives on eggs and 
small birds. 
The Bear might almost claim to be classed among 
the domestic animals, so familiar must it have 
been in Elizabeth’s time to all who lived in 
London or any other large town. Its life, however, was 
far less enjoyable than that of its fellows who had been 
more completely domesticated by man. It was either 
penned up in a shed, or led about the country by a chain 
in company with a monkey and one or two performing 
dogs. Shakspeare’s references to the sport of bear-baiting 
are numerous. Slender says— 
“ I love the sport well; but I shall as soon quarrel at it as any 
man in England. You are afraid, if you see the bear loose, are you 
not ? 
“ Anne. Ay indeed, sir. 
“ Slen. That’s meat and drink to me, now. I have seen Sackerson 
loose twenty times, and have taken him by the chain ; but, I warrant 
you, the women have so cried and shrieked at it, that it passed: 
but, women, indeed, cannot abide ’em; they are very ill-favoured 
rough things.” ( Merry Wives , i. 1.) 
This bear is mentioned also by Sir John Davies, who 
describes a law student— 
“ Leaving old Ploydon, Dier, and Brooke alone, 
To see old Harry Hunks and Sacarson.” 
( Epigrams .) 
G 
