THE DOG OF ULYSSES. 219 



graves, but I know no other example of a bird's main- 

 taining the same constancy after death. 



Homer relates that the dog of Ulysses recognised 

 his master, though disguised in the garb of a beg- 

 gar, and was so overpowered with joy, that he ex- 

 pired at his feet. The incident was probably the 

 creation of the poet's imagination; but he wrought 

 his interesting narrations on the undeviating laws 

 of nature, or his immortal works would not have 

 afforded such exquisite delight to so many suc- 

 ceeding generations. Therefore, though uncommon, 

 it is not improbable that a dog should die through 

 excess of joy at the return of a beloved master, 

 after an absence of several years. As you may 

 prefer the story in verse, I give you the following 

 lines. 



When wise Ulysses, from his native coast 

 Long kept by wars, and long by tempests tost, 

 Arriv'd at last, poor, old, disguis'd, alone. 

 To all his friends and e'en his queen unknown : 

 In his own palace forc'd to ask his bread, 

 ScornM by those slaves his former bounty fed. 

 Forgot of all his own domestic crew. 

 The faithful dog alone his master knew. 

 Unfed, unhous'd, neglected, on the clay, 

 Like an old servant, now cashier'd, he lay ; 

 And though e'en then expiring on the plain, 

 Touch'd with resentment of ungrateful man. 

 And longing to behold his ancient lord again. 



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