The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-11-23

,ian. But know, vain fools, whose hearts
are harder than the flintv stone, my heart
quakes not with fear; Tor here ] swear
would not change conditions with tho blood
stained Nero, though he be emperor, not
for the wealth of Rome. Blow ye your
trumpet am ready"
The trumpet sounded, and long low
growl was heard To proceed from the cage
Of a lalf'famished Numdian lion, situated
at the far,hest end of the arena. The
growl soon deepened to roar of tremen-
dous volume, which shook the enormous
edifce to its foundation. At that moment
the door was thrown open, and the huge
monster of the desert sprung from his den
with one mighty bouId to the opposite side
Of the arena. His eye blazed with the bril-
liancy of fire, as he slowly drew his length
along the sand, and prepared to make n
spring upon his formidable antagonist.
The gladialor's eye iuailed not-his lip
paled not-but he stood immovable as a
statue, waiting the approach ofhis wary foe.
At length the lion crouched himself IN the
attitude for springDg, aud with the quick
ness Of lightning, leaped full at the gladia-
tor. But he was prepared for him, and
bounded lightly Oh one side, his falcilon
flashed moment over his hend, and IN the
next it was dyed IN the purple blood Of the
monster. A roar of redoub!ed fury again
resounded through the spacious amphl'hea-
tire, as the enraged animal, mad with an
guisbed from the wound he had just received
wheeled hastily around, and sprang II Sec
ond time Mt the Nazarene. Again was the
falchion Of the cool md intrepid gladiator
deeply planted III the breast Of his terrible
adversary but so sudden had been the Sec
ond attack that il was impossible to avoid
the fall impetus Of the bound, and he stag
gcted and fell upon his knee. The mon
ster's paw was upon his shoulder, and he
felt his hot, fiery breath upon his cheek, MS
it rushed through his wide extended nos
trIs. The Nazarene drew n short dagger
from his girdle, and endeavored to regain
his feet. But his weary foe aware of his
design, precipInted himself suddenly upon
him aud threw him with much violence to
the ground, The excitement Of the popu-
lace was now wrought up 10 the highest
pitch, and they waited the result with breath
less suspense.
n lDW E'oWi Dt tHtistuCtol INV uhHo""e'
cd the noble animals triumph, as Inc spran.
fercely npon his enemy. but 1t was o
short duration; the dagger of the gladiator
pierced his vitnIs. and together they rolled
over and ovei across the arena. Agqin the
dagger drank the monsters blood, and
again roar ofnnguisL reverbera,ed through
the stately cdticc. The Nazarcne now
watcbins his opporunity spi,nR with the
velocity Of thought from the terrific en-
brace Of his enfecbled antagonist, and re-
gaining his EIchion, which had faIlcs to
the ground during the struggle, he buried
1t deep IN the heart Of the infurinted beast.
The noble king of the forest, tired and faint
with the loss Of blood. concentrated all his
remaining energies in one mighty bound !;
but il was too hte /; the last blow had been
driven home 10 the centre Of life, and his
hu.e form fell with "A mighty crash upon
the arena, amid the laundering acclama-
tions Of tire popuiace.