e himself for slaughter of another kind. Sophron was
entirely unarmed, and the size and fury of the beast, which rushed
forward to attack him, might well have excused him had he declined the
combat. But he, consulting only his native courage, wrapped his
shepherd's cloak around his left arm, to resist the first onset of his
enemy, and, with a determined look and nimble pace, advanced towards his
threatening adversary. In an instant the wolf sprang upon him, with a
horrid yell; but Sophron nimbly eluded his attack, and suddenly throwing
his vigorous arms about the body of his adversary, compelled him to
struggle for his own safety. It was then that he uttered cries more
dreadful than before; and as he writhed about in all the agitations of
pain and madness, he gnashed his terrible teeth with impotent attempts
to bite, while the blood and foam which issued from his jaws rendered
his figure still more horrible than before. But Sophron, with undaunted
courage, still maintained his hold, and grasping him with irresistible
strength, prevented him from using either his teeth or claws in his own
defence. It was not long before the struggles and violence of the wolf
grew perceptibly weaker from fatigue, and he seemed to wish to decline a
further combat with so formidable a foe, could he have found means to
escape. Sophron then collected all his strength, and, seizing his
fainting adversary by the neck and throat, grasped him still tighter in
his terrible hands, till the beast, incapable either of disengaging
himself or breathing, yielded up the contest and his life together.

"It was almost in this moment that Tigranes passed that way, and
unexpectedly was witness to the triumphs of Sophron, and the miserable
end of his favourite. Inflamed with pride and indignation, Tigranes
uttered dreadful imprecations against his friend, who in vain attempted
to explain the transaction, and rushing upon him with all the madness of
inveterate hate, aimed a javelin at his bosom. Sophron was calm as he
was brave; he saw the necessity of defending his own life against the
attacks of a perfidious friend, and, with a nimble spring, at once
eluded the weapon and closed with his antagonist. The combat was then
more equal, for each was reduced to depend upon his own strength and
activity. They struggled for some time with all the efforts which
disappointed rage could inspire on the one side, and a virtuous
indignation on the other. At length the fortu