1866 – Sailor and Lion

“Sailor and Lion” is a moving image and true story, appearing in “Animal Sagacity”, edited by Mrs S.C.Hall, and published by S.W.Patridge in 1866. In the story, an Indian Lion named “Nero”, was retained in the Menagerie of the Tower of London, where he became sulky and savage to such an extent, that it was dangerous, even for the keeper to accompany him. He had been brought to England on a ship and during the voyage had befriended one of the sailors, named “Jack”. Some time later, a group of sailors visited the menagerie and were warned by the keeper to not to go near the lion. But Jack cried out to the lion “Don’t you know me? Nero , my lad!” The lion instantly left off feeding and growling and sprang up on the bars of the cage and put his nose between them. Jack patted it on the head, and it rubbed his hand with its whiskers like a cat, showing evident signs of pleasure. “Ah!” said Jack, turning to the keeper and spectators who stood petrified with astonishment, “Nero and I were once shipmates, and you see he isn’t like some folks; he don’t forget an old friend.”  Available currently in A4, A3 and an A2 sizing option.