Tiger

[Jonathon Green]

Further to the Bulletin quotation that I put forward, regarding the possible origins of 'tiger' as in 'three times three and a tiger', here is the relevant material from Dallas C. Dickey, Seargent S. Prentiss: Whig Orator of the Old South (1945; reprint 1970) p. 394:

Another story widely circulated and remembered is that of how Prentiss spoke from the top of a lion's cage. In one of his political campaigns he was followed by a traveling circus, much to his annoyance. Just as Prentiss was in the midst of a speech, the circus, with its elephants, lions, and other animals, would be seen approaching. Their attention distracted, many of the crowd would leave to view the circus on the march, causing Prentiss to feel that his campaign was being injured. Finally he went to the circus manager and registered a complaint. The man replied that by following Prentiss he could get his best crowds. An agreement was worked out whereby they traveled together, the proprietor allowing Prentiss to finish his speech before he opened the circus to the crowd. In addition, he permitted Prentiss to use as a speaker's platform one of the circus wagons with a lion's cage on it. Sometimes for a better position from which to harangue the crowd, Prentiss would climb on top of the cage. This novel and elevated position added fire to his speaking. When he wished for added commotion, especially when attacking his opponents, he would prod the lion into roaring by pushing his cane through the bars of the cage.

While it fits with the idea of goading a wild animal, the Bulletin's hearsay story seems to have mixed its species. Pity.

Jonathon Green