Star.
London, England, 1825-07-28 00:00:00

THE FIRST ASSAULT.

The words " let go" were now given, and the dogs were brought
half way up the platform, while Nero crouched at full length wit b
his face towards them, and his paws straight before him, but there
was nothing of hostility in his look, nor did be seem to apprehend
any danger. At last Turk was let slip, and with the rapidity of
lightning be Tasked tip the platform, through the bars, and directly
into the lion's mouth, which was opened to receive-him. Caput*
and Tiger were instantly with him, and seising Nero by the nose,
forced him to rise, and thus extricated Turk, which did not soma
have received any injury. Nero now-turned round to evade Ms as.
Ulla" and for a rat freed hiehead from their attack ; huller%
rushed 19 his front, and dashing at his under Up, grasped it firmly.—.l
Captain and Tiger came up to his assistance and followed his ex-
ample; but Nero pawed them off and struck his talons into their
bides, and then making another desperate effort, once more extri-
cated himself—roaring with affright and pain. Turk, however,

was not to be shook off, and with the most dauntless courage he
darted at Nero's nose, and succeeded in making a pin, white Cap-
tain caught his lip. Tiger also nude a rush, but he caught rather
at the shaggy main of Nero than at the nose, and while iu this si-
tuation be received a severe slap on the head from Nero's paw.
which made a deep incision • he instantly retired to a respectful
I distance, and contented himself with loud barking, while his store
courageous companions continued the attack. Nero broke away,
and got to the corner of the den, and if he could have escaped, he
no doubt would; fur It was clear he was acting only on the defen.
dye. He never once attempted to bite his assailants, or he must
have instantly rendered them powerless. Turk returned to display
his uncommon game, and repeately pinned the lion. He was well
ellied by Ca salt:. but both. received severe scratches on the
Mid and it freiuently happened that while one was
by the crook of Nero's claw, which fastened In his ear or skin,
the other continued bravely to attack. In vain did Nero endea-
vour to free himself from his assailants, they continued their attic k
till at last Turk got into such a position, that Nero actually laid upon
him and beta hint down with his paw, while he paused for wind
The dogs were also winded, and Captain stood at bay for a tow
seconds; while Tiger, which proved to be a complete cur, was pulled
of the stage. Captain was new encouraged to renew the attack,
and he once more darted at Nero's nose. Nero jumped up, Ind
roared with pain. and Turk was set free, and again rushed to the
assault. Nero retreated. but was punned, and as he sat on his
haunches he was repeatedly bitten by Turk and Captain, in ,spita
of his *sections to put them off with his paws, in which exertion he
frequently struck his claws into their skin, and inflicted deep
wound.: -Nero mice more broke away, but was still closely pur- ,
med. and more especially by Turk, which, although reduced to a
shocking state from the opening of the wounds in his head, and the
infliction of new scratches, rushed to his antagonist's nose, and re-
peatedly
held his under-Up in hie teeth. Captain was also engaged
with great courage, but at this period of the battle. he received such
a watch ea the side of the head, that he made up bis mind to
retreat, and baking through the railings, was caught by Wedge-,
bury, and having turned tail be was not permitted to return.
Turk was now alone with Nero, and was still undismayed;
be followed him from corner to corner and renewed the
attack, till at length Nero again get him under his paw on the 1
sp~ge, and held him for some time in a quiescent state. Mr. i
Wombwell, who seemed greatly agitated, now mounted the
I die of the den to encourage Nero, who regarded him, as we might'
sanest say, with an upbraiding look. Turk at this instant end. 1
OM himself from his confined position, and, mangled as he was,
etmewed the assault, while the spectators cried," Shame. take him
away." Nero, still unconscious of his power, retreated on the
defensive, and reared with pain, and at last Edwards, watching an
opportunity, seized Turk by the kg. and drew bins out, although
still dkpoeed to continue the fight, and immediately claimed the
'victory for the dogs, in consequence of the lion having " turned
tan.* The majority, however, were against so quick a conclusion of
the cruel sport, and Nero was destined to sustain another and mere
ferocious attack, while every , care was taken of Turk, which
certainly dispkyed unparalleled bravery from first to kat. The
assault lasted eleven minutes. .
Per Nero enjoyed a cessation of hostUides—his Ups and nose
exidbited several marks of the teeth of his assailants, and he was a
Utile distressed; but still there was nothing of anger in his itoks-
DO lashing of his sides with his tail—nothing of tint WI rearing
which natural history describes as indicative of di pardon. of his
species.
Mr. Wombwell now came forward iind entered the
den, amidst loud buzzes. Nero scarce noticed him
till he procured some water in a tin vessel, which he
held to him to lap, and the remainder of which he
threw in his face. The quietness with which the poor
animal conducted hiniself at this moment, gave addi-
tional evidence of the natural docility of his disposition,
and of the fact of his anger never having been roused.
After Mr. Wombwell had retired, he walked about for
a short time,. and then lay down to ra.t.
The attention of Mr. Wombwell was next called to
the entrance of a vast crowd-which had broken into the
Factory, at a vulnerable point next the Race Course.
They all rushed towards the c!ntre of 'the area; hut
Mr. Wombwell having called together his risen, he
commenced an attack upon the it.truder% and succeeded
in driving the greater part of titem -back, lbirninis•

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