Engravings of Lions, Tigers, Panthers and Leopards

No. IX

The interior of a rocky den, where the Lion dares to intrude on the retired repose of a Royal Tiger, copied by Mr. Spilsbury from the Sketch-book of Stubbs. On the part of the Tiger, there is expressed a certain half frantic suspension of purpose. His look is fierce, though apprehensive, and as if his mind was not made up whether to become the assailant, or stand on the defensive. He is evidently taken by surprise; and if he does not fear, he is thoroughly conscious (as Dr. Johnson said, when he was to meet Lord Thurlow) that “there is something to encounter:” while the Lion, feeling also that he has met with his match, is arousing his terrible energies. The heroes are threatening: the storm has gathered: and is about to burst in fury.

With regard to the “ferocious splendour of their eyes,” and the exposure of their canine teeth by means of the Ringentes, the reader will find here a strict accordance with Mr. Bell’s theory.