HIS DEATH FROM GRIEF. 97 



the dog, in spite of the guards, penetrated into the 

 hall, and crouched between his master's legs. At the 

 execution he was also present, and was with difficulty 

 forced from the body. For two nights and a day he 

 remained on the grave. The friend of his master, 

 who had before afforded him an asylum, unhappy at 

 not seeing the dog as usual, and guessing to what place 

 he had retired, stole forth by night, and finding him at 

 the grave, caressed and brought him back. He tried 

 every means that kindness could devise to induce him 

 to eat ; but in a short time the dog escaped, and re- 

 gained his favourite place. For three months he came 

 every morning to his protector, merely to receive his 

 food, and immediately returned to the grave. At the 

 end of this time nature gave way: he languished, 

 refused to take any nourishment, and died. What 

 friendship could have been more pure, more, constant, 

 or more fervent ? The hour of adversity did not dis- 

 may him ; and though he could not fully comprehend 

 the injuries offered to his master, he suspected that 

 some harm was intended, and guarded him, as far as 

 was possible, with the greatest vigilance. How deep, 

 how lasting were his regrets ! His attachment de- 

 served a monument that should have perpetuated the 

 memory of his master with the fidelity of the dog, 

 bearing this inscription : 



" I loved thee even unto deatli." 



H 



