And feasted on the flesh of toiling beasts.
The king gave ear to their sad tales of woe,
And straightway called his only son, and said—
"Dear son! my people's good I value more
Than thine own life. Go therefore to the woods
With all thine arrows and thy trusty bow,
And drag the dreaded tiger from his den,
And to their homes their wonted peace restore.
His spotted skin and murderous claws must soon
Be added to the trophies of the past,