56 POPULAR SCRIPTURE ZOOLOGY.

The texts in proof of the generally contemptuous opinion
entertained of dogs in the eastern countries, are very nume-
Tous, such as in Psalm xxii. 16: “ For dogs have compassed
ine about; the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me.”
In 1 Samuel xvii. 43, Goliath says, “Am I a dog, that thou
comest to me with staves?” And Job declares, “ But now
they that are younger than I, have me in derision, whose
fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of
my flock.” Many other instances might be mentioned, but
hese will suffice. In the New Testament the expressions
are of a like character, investing our beautiful and interest-
ing favourite with the most hateful qualities ; though Christ,
in his beautiful parable of the rich man and Lazarus, records
an affecting proof of their gentleness. In many profane
authors similar feelings are testified ; even “ Homer’s heroes
call each other dogs with great spirit ;” but modern poets
are more just to the character of this faithful animal. A
short extract from Byron’s well-known lines on a New-
foundland dog will prove his sense of its worth; and many
other passages will probably recur to the memory of the
poetic reader.

* But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend ;