Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-02-16
BATTLE WITH A LION.
From Buro heIl's Travels in South Americ

riom OuTt helis travels IN South merica.
The day was exceedingly pleasant.
and not-a cloud was to be seen. For a
mile or. two, We travelled along the
banks OF the river, which 10 this part
abonnded in tall mat PUSHES. The dogs
seemed much 10 enjoy proving abo1t
and examining every bushy place, and
at last met with some object among the
rushes, which caused them to set ND a
most vehement and determined barking.
We explored the spot with caution, as
we suspected, from the peculiar tone Of
their bark, that it was, what it proved
to be, lions. Having encouraged the
dogs 10 drive them out, a task which
they performed with great willingness,
we had a full view of an enormous
black-maned lion and lioness. The
latter was seen only for minute, as she
made her escape up the river, under
concealment of the rushes; but the hon
came steadily forward, aud stood still to
look at US. AT this moment we felt our
situation not free from danger, as the
animal seemed prepared to spring upon
us, and we were standing on the bank,
at the distance of only few yards from
him, most of us being on foot and un- j..
armed without any visible possibility of
escaping. ! had given my horse to the
hunters, and was on foot myself: but
there was no time to fear, and it was
useless 10 attempt avoiding him. Poor
Ifuy was in great alarm she clasped
her infant to her bosom, aud screamed
out as if she thought her destruction as
inevitable, calling anxiorsly TO those
who were nearest the animal, Take care !
Take care ! In greatfear for my safety,
she half insisted upon my moving fur
Their off; |, however, stood well upon
my guard, holding my pistols in my hand,
with my hnger upon the trigger; and
those who had muskets, kept themselves
prepared 10. the same manner. But at
this instant, the dogs boldly few in be-
tween US and the lion, and surrounding
him, kept him at bay by their violent
and resolute barking. The courage of
these faithful animals was most admiraS
Bile; they advanced up TO the side of the
huge beast, and stood making the great
est clamor 10 his face, without the
least appearance of fear. The lion,
conscious of his strength, remained un--
moved at their noisy attempts, and kept
his head turned towards us. At one mo.
ment, the dogs perceiving bis eye thus
engaged, had advanced close to bis feet
and seemed as if they would actually
seize hold of him /; but they paid dearly
for their imprudence, for, without dis
composing the majestic and steady atti-
tude in which he stood fixed, he merely
moved his paw, and at the next instant Z
beheld Two lying dead. In doing this he.
made so little eXertion, that il was scarce
ly perceptble by what means they had
been killed. Of the time which we had
gained by the interference of the dogs.
not moment was los, we fred upot.
him one of The balls wen. through his
side just between the short ribs, and the
blood immediately began to flow but
the animal still remained standing in the
same position. We had now no doub:
that he would spring upon us every
gun was INSTANTLY reloaded; but happily
we were mistaken, ar-l were not SORRY
10 see him move quietly away.
! -..--