Page:Amusing stories of animals.pdf/22

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the banks of a river in Bengal, were happily preserved from a similar misfortune by the a most unexampled presence of mind of a young lady, who chanced to be of the party: upon the first appearance of the tiger preparing for its fatal spring, this young lady unfurled a large umbrella in the animal's face, which, being confounded by so extraordinary and sudden an appearance, distantly retired, and thus gave them an opportunity of escaping from its terrible attack.

The Elephant.

The foremost, and in every respect, the noblest quadruped in nature, is the Elephant; not less remarkable for its size, than its docility and understanding. In India, where they were at one time employed in launching ships, a particular elephant was directed to force a very large vessel into the water; the work proved superior to its strength, but not to its endeavours; which however, the keeper affected to despise. "Take away," says he, "that lazy beast, and bring another better fitted for service." The poor animal instantly upon this redoubled its effort fractured its scull, and died upon the spot.

In Delhi, an elephant, passing along the streets, put his trunk into a tailor's shop, where several people were at work. One of the persons of the shop, desirous of some amusement, pricked the animal's trunk with his needle,