Aye, like a dog you throw me to a beast; and what is my offense? Why, forsooth, I am a Christian, But know, ye can not fright my soul, for it is based upon a foundation stronger than the adamantine rock. Know ye, whose hearts are harder than the flinty stone, my heart quakes not with fear; and here I aver, I would not change conditions with the blood-stained Nero, crowned though he be, not for the wealth of Rome. Blow ye your trumpet—I am ready." The 3. The trumpet sounded, and a long, low growl was heard to proceed from the cage of a half-famished Numidian Lion, situated at the farthest end of the arena. growl deepened into a roar of tremendous volume, which shook the enormous edifice to its very center. At that moment, the door was thrown open, and the huge monster of the forest sprung from his den, with one mighty bound to the opposite side of the arena. His eyes blazed with the brilliancy of fire, as he slowly drew his length along the sand, and prepared to make a spring upon his formidable antagonist. The gladiator's eye quailed not: his lip paled not; but he stood immovable as a statue, waiting the approach of his wary foe. 4. At length, the lion crouched himself into an attitude for springing, and with the quickness of lightning, leaped full at the throat of the gladiator. But he was prepared for him, and bounding lightly on one side, his falchion flashed for a moment over his head, and in the next it was deeply dyed in the purple blood of the monster. A roar of redoubled fury again resounded through the spacious amphitheater, as the enraged animal, mad with anguish from the wound he had just received, wheeled hastily round, and sprung a second time at the Nazarene. 5. Again was the falchion of the cool and intrepid gladiator, deeply planted in the breast of his terrible adversary; but so sudden had been the second attack, that it was impossible to avoid the full impetus of his bound, and he staggered and fell upon his knee. The monster's paw was upon his shoulder, and he felt his hot fiery breath upon his cheek, as it rushed through his wide distended nostrils. The Nazarene drew a short dagger from his girdle, and endeavored to regain his feet. But his foe, aware of his design, precipitating himself upon him, threw him with violence to the ground. 6. The excitement of the populace was now wrought up to a high pitch, and they waited the result with breathless suspense. A low growl of satisfaction now announced the noble animal's triumph, as he sprang fiercely upon his prostrate enemy. But it was of short duration; the dagger of the gladiator pierced his vitals, and together they rolled over and over, across the broad arena. Again the dagger drank deep of the monster's blood, and again a roar of anguish reverberated through the stately edifice. 7. The Nazarene, now watching his opportunity, sprung with the velocity of thought from the terrific embrace of his enfeebled antagonist, and regaining his falchion which had fallen to the ground in the struggle, he buried it deep in the heart of the infuriated beast. The noble king of the forest, faint from the loss of blood, concentrated all his remaining strength in one mighty bound; but it was too late; the last blow had been driven home to the center of life, and his huge form fell with a mighty crash upon the arena, amid the thundering acclamations of the populace. LIV.-HENRY V. AT HARFLEUR. SHAKSPEARE. 1. ONCE more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Let it pry through the portage of the head O'erhang and jutty his confounded base, 2. Now set the teeth, and stretch the nostril wide, Have in these parts from morn till even fought, And teach them how to war! 3. And you, good yeomen, Whose limbs are made in England, show us here That you are worth your breeding, which I doubt not; LV.-SEVEN AGES OF MAN. 1. ALL the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: SHAKSPEARE. They have their exits and their entrances, 2. And then, the justice, In fair round belly, with good capon lined, Is second childishness, and mere oblivion; LVI.-PARRHASIUS. N. P. WILLIS. 1. PARRHASIUS stood, gazing forgetfully 2. 3. Were like the winged god's breathing from his flight. Bring me the captive now ! My hand feels skillful, and the shadows lift From my waked spirit airily and swift; And I could paint the bow Upon the bended heavens; around me play "Ha! bind him on his back! Look! as Prometheus in my picture here! Quick! or he faints! stand with the cordial near! Press down the poisoned links into his flesh! 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. "So! let him writhe! How long How fearfully he stifles that short moan! "Ah! there's a deathless name! A spirit that the smothering vault shall spurn, Consumed my brain to ashes as it won me; "Ay, though it bid me rifle My heart's last fount for its insatiate thirst; The yearning in my throat for my sweet child, "All! I would do it all, Sooner than die, like a dull worm, to rot; Thrust foully in the earth to be forgot. Oh heavens! but I appall Your heart, old man! forgive-ha! on your lives "Vain-vain-give o'er. His eye Glazes apace. He does not feel you now. Stand back! I'll paint the death dew on his brow! But for one moment-one-till I eclipse Conception with the scorn of those calm lips! "Shivering! Hark! he mutters Brokenly now; that was a difficult breath; Look! how his temple flutters! |