He roared aloud in fury, and the earth shook.
"Shoot with the bow," I cried, "shoot swiftly ere he spring!" But courage had left the breast of the boaster, his jaw dropped down and his fingers unloosed their hold so that the bow fell from them; then, with a loud cry he turned and fled behind me, leaving the lion in my path.

But while I stood waiting my doom, for though I was sore afraid I would not fly, the lion crouched himself, and turning not aside, with one great bound swept over me, touching me not.

He lit, and again he bounded full upon the boaster's back, striking him such a blow with his great paw that his head was crushed as an egg thrown against a stone.

He fell down dead, and the lion stood and roared over him.

Then I was mad with horror, and, scarce knowing what I did, I grasped my spear and with a shout I charged.