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Par. I02.] THE INFINITIVE.

77

in the amphitheatre, to strike terror into all other slaves
that might wish to run away from their masters. Accordingly, on the appointed day, the wretched slave was
made to stand in the presence of thousands of spectators, opposite the cage of a lion, which had not been
suffered to eat any thing for several days, to increase its
natural savageness. The furious roaring of the famished
lion struck terror into every heart, and made the poor
slave prepare for the worst. Suddenly, tile signal is
given, and from the open cage forth bounds the lion.
But, what was the astonishment of the spectators, to see
the savage beast, on reaching its victim, at once change
its nature. Instead of devouring Androcles, it began to
fawn on and caress him. Tie spectators, indignant at
the cowardice of the beast - for so they called it-bade
the officers let loose a second lion to destroy the first.
It was done, and forthwith a monster larger and more
furious than the first, rushed with open jaws at the
trembling slave. But the first lion, at once springing
on the assailant, forced it to turn from Androcles, and
after a terrible contest, left it disabled on the sand. The'
admiring spectators now shouted applause,t declaring
that the slave must be asked to explain the lion's extraordinary conduct. On hearing the story of his adventures, they begged the Governor to pardon Androcles,
and not only to give him his freedom, but also to bestow
on him his faithful lion. Tleir importunity was not to
be resisted, and both requests were granted.
1 See Par. 125.