You remember the way Byron punished his troublesome little assailant.
Another Newfoundland dog, of a noble and generous disposition, was often
assailed in the same way by noisy curs in the streets. He generally
passed them with apparent unconcern, till one little brute ventured to
bite him in the back of the leg. This was a degree of wanton insult
which could not be patiently endured; so turning round, he ran after the
offender, and seized him by the poll. In this manner he carried him to
the quay, and holding him for some time over the water, at length
dropped him into it. He did not, however, intend that the culprit
should be drowned. Waiting till he was not only well ducked, but nearly
sinking, he plunged in and brought him safely to land.
Could you venture to look a Newfoundland dog in the face, and call him a
brute beast, if you feel that you have acted with less generosity than
he exhibited!