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Lion-baiting is a blood sport involving the baiting of
lions.
In 1610, during the reign of James I of England the
practice of lion-baiting was first recorded. The spectacle
was staged for the amusement of the court. The King
requested Edward Alleyn, Master of the Bear Garden, to
acquire the three largest and most courageous dogs. The
event was as follows: |
"One of the dogs, which was the
first to be sent in the cage, was soon put out of action by
the lion, which seized it by the head and neck and dragged it
through the cage. A second dog was sent in and met with the
same fate. The third, however, which came to its aid,
immediately seized the lion by the lower jaw and gripped it
securely for a considerable time until, severely injured by
the lion's claws, it was forced to loosen its grip. The lion
itself was seriously injured in the fight and was not able to
continue fighting. With a sudden mighty leap over the dogs, it
fled inside its den. Two of the dogs died shortly after the
fight from the injuries they had suffered. The last, however,
survived this splendid fight and was nursed back to health
with great care by the King's son, Henry Frederick, Prince of
Wales. Prince Henry declared: 'He had fought the king of the
wild animals and should never again have to fight baser
creatures!' In this way, the dog had gained for itself a safe
life at the English Royal court."
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