bited at Rome, in the reign of Tiberius, there were twelve
elephant performers, six males and six females, clothed in fancy costume.
After they had, at the command of their keeper, danced and performed a
thousand curious antics, a most sumptuous feast was served up for their
refreshment. The table was covered with all sorts of dainties, and golden
goblets filled with the most precious wines; and beds covered with purple
carpets were placed around for the animals to lie upon, after the manner
of the Romans when feasting. On these carpets the elephants laid
themselves down, and at a given signal they reached out their trunks to
the table, and fell to eating and drinking with as much propriety as if
they had been so many honest citizens.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE XXXIII.

Cunning as a Fox.

An American gentleman was in pursuit of foxes, accompanied by two
bloodhounds; the dogs were soon in scent, and pursued a fox nearly two
hours, when suddenly they appeared at fault. The gentleman came up with
them near a large log lying upon the ground, and felt much surprised to
find them taking a circuit of a few rods without an object, every trace of
the game seeming to have been lost, while they kept still yelping. On
looking about him, he discovered sly Reynard stretched upon the log,
apparently lifeless. The master made several efforts to direct the
attention of his dogs towards the fox but failed; at length he approached
so near the artful object of his pursuit as to see him breathe. Even then
no alarm was exhibited; and the gentleman seizing a club, aimed a blow at
him, which Reynard evaded by a leap from his singular lurking-place,
having thus for a time effectually eluded his rapacious pursuers.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE XXXIV.

More Faithful than Favoured.

A gentleman once possessed a mastiff which guarded the house and yard, but
had never met with the least particular attention from his master. One
night, as his master was retiring to his chamber, attended by his
_faithful_ valet, an Italian, the mastiff silently followed him upstairs,
which he had never been known to do before, and, to his master's
astonishment, presented himself in his bedroom. He was instantly turned
out; but the poor animal began scratching violently at the door, and
howling loudly for admission. The servant was sent to drive him away;
still he returned again, and was more importunate than before to be let
in. The gentleman, we