Page:The Century Of Life.pdf/22

 On Pride and Heroism

LION-HEART

The manéd lion, first of kingly names, Magnanimous and famed, though worn with age, Wasted with hunger, blunted his keen edge And low the splendid spirit in hirn flames, Not therefore will with wretched grass assuage His famished pangs as graze the deer and bull. Rather his dying breath collects desire, Leaping once more from shattered brows to pull Of the great tuskéd elephants mad with ire His sovereign banquet fierce and masterful.

THE WAY OF THE LION

The dog with a poor bone is satisfied, Meatless, with bits of fat and sinew greased, Nor is his hunger with such remnants eased. Not so the kingly lion in his pride! He lets the jackal go grazed by his claw And slays the tuskéd kings. Such Nature’s law; Each being pitches his high appetite At even with his courage and his might.