of the lion,
have obtained for him the title of "king of beasts." He is greatly
indebted, however, to the imagination of the poet for the noble
qualities which he is supposed to possess. He is, though capable of
gratitude towards those from whom he has received kindness, often
treacherous and revengeful, and Dr Livingstone considers him an arrant
coward. The stories, however, which I have to narrate, describe his
better qualities.

Mrs Lee tells us of a lion which was kept in the menagerie at Brussels.
The animal's cell requiring some repairs, the keeper led him to the
upper portion of it, where, after playing with him for some time, they
both fell asleep. The carpenter, who was employed in the work below,
wishing to ascertain whether it was finished as desired, called the
keeper to inspect what he had done. Receiving no answer, he climbed up,
when, seeing the keeper and lion thus asleep side by side, he uttered a
cry of horror. His voice awoke the lion, which, gazing fiercely at him
for a moment, placed his paw on the breast of his keeper, and lay down
to sleep again.

On the other attendants being summoned, they aroused the keeper, who, on
opening his eyes, appeared in no way frightened, but taking the paw of
the lion, shook it, and quietly led him down to the lower part of the
den.

THE GENEROUS LION AND HIS ASSAILANTS.

The custom existed till lately on the Continent of having combats
between wild animals and dogs, although they were very different from
the spectacles exhibited in the days of ancient Rome.

It had been arranged that a battle should take place between a lion and
four large bull-dogs. The lion, released from his den, stood looking
round him in the arena, when the dogs were let loose. Three of them,
however, turned tail, one alone having the courage to attack him. The
lion, crouching down as the dog approached, stretched him motionless
with one stroke of his paw; then drawing the animal towards him, almost
concealed him with his huge fore-paws. It was believed that the dog was
dead. In a short time, however, it began to move, and was allowed by
the lion to struggle up on to its feet; but when the dog attempted to
run away, the lion, with two bounds, reached it, showing it how
completely it was in his power.

Pity, or it may have been contempt, now seemed to move the heart of the
generous lion. He stepped back a few paces, and allowed the dog to
escape through the door opened for the