A MONSTER.
They sailed from this, and on the fourth day discovered a large, sandy
island, on which, when they came near, they saw a huge, fearful animal
standing on the beach, and looking at them very attentively. He was
somewhat like a horse in shape; but his legs were like the legs of a
dog; and he had great, sharp claws of a blue colour.
Maildun, having viewed this monster for some time, liked not his look;
and, telling his companions to watch him closely, for that he seemed
bent on mischief, he bade the oarsmen row very slowly towards land.
The monster seemed much delighted when the ship drew nigh the shore, and
gambolled and pranced about with joy on the beach, before the eyes of
the voyagers; for he intended to eat the whole of them the moment they
landed.
"He seems not at all sorry to see us coming," said Maildun; "but we must
avoid him and put back from the shore."
This was done. And when the animal observed them drawing off, he ran
down in a great rage to the very water's edge, and digging up large,
round pebbles with his sharp claws, he began to fling them at the
vessel; but the crew soon got beyond his reach, and sailed into the open
sea.
A horrible monster, with blazing eyes,
In shape like a horse and tremendous in size,
Awaiting the curragh, they saw;
With big bony jaws
And murderous claws,
That filled them with terror and awe:
How gleeful he dances,
And bellows and prances,
As near to the island they draw;
Expecting a feast--
The bloodthirsty beast--
With his teeth like edge of a saw:
Then he ran to the shore,
With a deafening roar,
Intending to swallow them raw:
But the crew, with a shout,
Put their vessel about,
And escaped from his ravenous maw![LXXII.]