“I must tell you a feat of my dog Beau. Walking by the river side, I
observed some water-lilies floating at a little distance from the bank.
They are a large white flower, with an orange-colored eye, very
beautiful. I had a desire to gather one, and, having your long cane in
my hand, by the help of it endeavored to bring one of them within my
reach. But the attempt proved vain, and I walked forward. Beau had all
the while observed me very attentively. Returning soon after toward the
same place, I observed him plunge into the river, while I was
about forty yards distant from him; and, when I had nearly reached the
spot, he swam to land, with a lily in his mouth, which he came and laid
at my feet.”
W. COWPER _to Lady Hesketh, June 27th, 1788_.