(now injuriously called the order of the elephant) 

 was instituted in memory of the fidelity of a dog, 

 named Wild-brat, to one of their kings who had 

 been deserted by his subjects ; he gave his order 

 this motto, or to this effect (which still remains), 

 Wild-brat was faithful. Sir William Trumbull 

 has told me a story (said to be in Sir Philip 

 Warwick's Memoirs), which he heard from one 

 that was present : King Charles I. being with 

 some of his court during his troubles, a discourse 

 arose what sort of dogs deserved pre-eminence, 

 and it being on all hands agreed to belong either 

 to the spaniel or greyhound, the King gave his 

 opinion on the part of the greyhound, because 

 (said he) it has all the good-nature of the other, 

 without fawning. A good piece of satire upon his 

 courtiers, with which I will conclude my discourse 

 of dogs. Call me a cynic, or what you please, in 

 revenge for all this impertinence ; I will be con- 

 tented, provided you will but believe me when I 

 say — a bold word for a Christian — that, of all 

 dogs, you will find none more faithful than — 

 Yours, etc. Alexander Pope. 



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