The majestic step, the bold look, the grace and strength 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.