_Doctor Dobbs and his Horse Nobbs_.--I remember having read somewhere of
"Doctor Dobbs and his horse Nobbs," but where I cannot now recall. I
only remember one anecdote. The horse Nobbs was left, one cold night,
outside a cottage, whilst the Doctor was within officiating as
accoucheur (I believe); when he was ready to start, and came out, he
found the horse apparently dead. The Doctor was miles from home, and, as
the horse was dead, and the night dark, in place of walking home, he,
with his host, dragged the horse into the kitchen, and skinned him, by
way of passing the time profitably. But, lo! when the skinning was
finished, the horse gave signs of returning animation. What was to be
done? Doctor Dobbs, fertile in resources, got sheepskins and sewed them
on Nobbs, and completely clothed him therein; and--mirabile dictu!--the
skins became attached to the flesh, Nobbs recovered, and from
thenceforward carried a _woolly_ coat, duly shorn every summer, to the
profit of Doctor Dobbs, and to the wonder and admiration of the
neighbourhood.
I have also read somewhere that Coleridge told the story of "Doctor
Dobbs and his horse Nobbs" to Southey at Oxford.