The Lion and the Rattlesnake

A MAN having found a Lion in his path undertook to subdue¹ him by
the power of the human eye; and near by was a Rattlesnake engaged
in fascinating a small bird.

  "How are you getting on, brother?" the Man called out to the other
reptile², without removing his eyes from those of the Lion.

  "Admirably," replied the serpent.  "My success is assured; my
victim draws nearer and nearer in spite of her efforts."

  "And mine," said the Man, "draws nearer and nearer in spite of
mine.  Are you sure it is all right?"

  "If you don't think so," the reptile replied as well as he then
could, with his mouth full of bird, "you better give it up."

  A half-hour later, the Lion, thoughtfully picking his teeth with
his claws, told the Rattlesnake that he had never in all his varied³
experience in being subdued⁴, seen a subduer try so earnestly to
give it up.  "But," he added, with a wide, significant smile, "I
looked him into countenance⁵."