, not
wishing to witness a combat of this kind, especially one which was so
unequal. The King ordered that every advantage should be given to the
young man, in order that he might have every possible chance of
success in fighting an animal which had been a victor on so many
similar occasions. A large iron cage, furnished with a turnstile,
into which the Absolute Fool could retire for rest and refreshment,
but where the lion could not follow him, was placed in the middle of
the arena, and the youth was supplied with all the weapons he
desired. When every thing was ready, the Absolute Fool took his stand
in the centre of the arena, and the door of the lion's den was
opened. The great beast came out, he looked about for an instant, and
then, with majestic step, advanced toward the young man. When he was
within a few paces of him, he crouched for a spring.

The Absolute Fool had never seen so magnificent a creature, and he
could not restrain his admiration. With folded arms and sparkling
eyes, he gazed with delight upon the lion's massive head, his long
and flowing mane, his magnificent muscles, and his powerful feet and
legs. There was an air of grandeur and strength about him which
completely enraptured the youth. Approaching the lion, he knelt
before him, and gazed with wondering ecstasy into his great, glowing
eyes. "What glorious orbs!" he inwardly exclaimed. "What unfathomable
expression! What possibilities! What reminiscences! And everywhere,
what majesty of curve!"

The lion was a good deal astonished at the conduct of the young man;
and he soon began to suppose that this was not the person he was to
fight, but probably a keeper, who was examining into his condition.
After submitting to this scrutiny a few minutes, he gave a mighty
yawn, which startled the spectators, but which delighted the Absolute
Fool; for never before had he beheld such a depth of potentiality. He
knelt in silent delight at this exhibition of the beauty of strength.

Old Sardon soon became tired of all this, however, and he turned and
walked back to his den. "When their man is ready," he thought to
himself, "I will come out and fight him."

One tremendous shout now arose from the multitude. "The youth has
conquered!" they cried. "He has actually frightened the lion back
into his den!" Rushing into the arena, they raised the Absolute Fool
upon their shoulders and carried him in triumph to the open square in
front of the palace, that he migh