Charles Owen

As we read the account of the King of the Serpents one is apt to conclude that Owen is confusing cobra and basilisk until we see his enchanting illustration, for apart from its eight legs, the figure is evidently intended to represent a chameleon, whose casque or helmet has been interpreted as a crown. - Arthur Loveridge 1943.

Quote from the book:

"But 'tis most probable, that the royal Stile is given to this Serpent, because of its Majestic Pace, which seems to be attended with an Air of Grandeur and Authority. It does not, like other Serpents, creep on the Earth; which if it did, the sight of it would not be frightful, but moving about, in a sort of an erect posture, it looks like a Creature of another Species, therefore they conclude 'tis an Enemy. Serpents are for Uniformity, therfore can't endure those that differ from them in the Mode of Motion. 'Tis said of this Creature, that its Poison infects the Air to that Degree, that no other Animal can live near it, according to the Tradition of the Elders famous for magnificent Tales. These little Furioso's are bred in the Solitudes of Africa, and are also found in some other Places, and every where are terrible neighbours." - Owen 1742

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