Thus it will be seen that every objection not only falls to the ground, but carries its own refutation, thus vindicating this episode in sacred history, and showing, that not only were the circumstances possible, but that they were highly probable. Of course every one of the wretched animals must have been ultimately burned to death, after suffering a prolonged torture from the firebrand that was attached to it. Such a consideration would, however, have had no effect for deterring Samson from employing them. The Orientals are never sparing of pain, even when inflicted upon human beings, and in too many cases they seem utterly unable even to comprehend the cruelty of which they are guilty. And Samson was by no means a favourable specimen of his countrymen. He was the very incarnation of strength, but was as morally weak as he was corporeally powerful; and to that weakness he owed his fall. Neither does he seem to possess the least trace of forbearance any more than of self-control, but he yields to his own undisciplined nature, places himself, and through him the whole Israelitish nation, in jeopardy, and then, with a grim humour, scatters destruction on every side in revenge for the troubles which he has brought upon himself by his own acts. THE HYÆNA. The Hyæna not mentioned by name, but evidently alluded to--Signification of the word Zabua--Translated in the Septuagint as Hyæna--A scene described by the prophet Isaiah--The Hyæna plentiful in Palestine at the present day--its well-known cowardice and fear of man--The uses of the Hyæna and the services which it renders--The particular species of Hyæna--The Hyæna in the burial-grounds--Hunting the Hyæna--Curious superstition respecting the talismanic properties of its skin--Precautions adopted in flaying it--Popular legends of the Hyæna and its magical powers--The cavern home of the Hyæna--The valley of Zeboim.