Mrs F--told me the following anecdote:--Her father had four cows, which
every evening, at milking-time, were driven from the field into their
byre. On their way they had to pass through the farmyard, when they
would endeavour to snatch as many mouthfuls of hay as they had time to
secure from the hay-stacks. One especially, who was accustomed to take
the lead of the other cows, was more particularly addicted to this
trick. She was thus sometimes the last to be driven into the byre.
When, however, she found that her three companions had entered before
her, nothing would induce her to follow them. She would stand with her
fore-legs just over the threshold, stretch forth her neck, and moo
angrily; but further than this, neither coaxing, blows, nor the barking
of the dog at her heels, would induce her to go. The contest always
ended in the rest of the cows being driven out; when she would at once
take the lead, and walk quietly into her stall without the least
persuasion. The dairy-maid called her the Proud Cow.
Another Irish cow has been known to act in a similar manner.
So her pride brought Mistress Cow many a whack on the back. Depend on
it, if you stand on your dignity, you may often suffer, as she did.