THE FAITHFUL HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 79

ground without being awakened, and letting go the bridle as
he fell. His faithful horse, which had the character of being
vicious, instead of galloping home, as might have been ex-
pected, stood by his fallen master, keeping as strict a watch
over him as a dog could have done.

Some labourers, coming by at daybreak, saw the farmer
still sleeping near a heap of stones by the roadside. Intend-
ing to assist him, they drew near, but the horse, by his
grinning teeth and ready heels, showed them that it would
be wiser to keep at a distance. He did not, probably, under-
stand their kind purpose; but not till they had aroused the
farmer, who at length got on his feet, would his faithful horse
allow them to pass.

Mrs. F—

Trish horse, which, in a similar case, used to defend his master.

 

mentions another instance of a high-spirited

This man, often coming home at night tipsy, would fall
to the ground in a helpless state. Had the horse, while the
man was in this condition, forsaken him, he would have been
run over by any vehicle passing along the road; but the
faithful horse was his careful guardian. If nobody came
near, the animal would stand patiently beside his master till
he came to himself. He has been known to stand at his
post during a whole night. If any one came near, he would
gallop round him, kicking out his heels; or rearing and biting,
if an attempt were made to touch him. Thus the man and
the animal changed places, the knowing brute protecting
both himself and his master.

I have a word to say even on this subject. Beware lest
you take the first step which may lead you to become like