“What shall I do,” said a very little dog one day to his mother, “to show my gratitude to our good master? I cannot draw, or carry burthens for him like the horse; nor give him milk like the cow; nor lend him my covering for his clothing, like the sheep; nor produce him eggs like the poultry; nor catch rats and mice as well as the cat.

“I cannot divert him with singing like the linnets and canaries; nor can I defend him against robbers like the great dog Towzer. I should not be fit to be eaten, even if I were dead, as the hogs are. I am a poor insignificant creature, not worth the cost of keeping; I don’t see that I can do a single thing to entitle me to my master’s regard.” So saying the poor little dog hung down his head.

“My dear child,” replied his mother, “though your abilities are but small, your good will entitles you to regard. Love your master dearly, and show him that you love him, and you will not fail to please him.”

[52]

The little dog was comforted, and the next time he saw his master, ran to him, licked his feet, gamboled before him, and every now and then stopped, wagging his tail, and looking at him in the most affectionate manner. The master observed him.

“Ha! little Fido,” said he, “you are an honest, good-natured little fellow!”—and stooped down to pat his head. Poor Fido was ready to go out of his wits with joy.

Fido was now his master’s companion in his walks, playing and skipping............