The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-04-24
THE DOG OF BRUSSELS.

The following Narrative (says Chambers
became acquainted with during a WISH WIN
my wife to Brussels, in the year 1887.
After visiting many of the interesting objects
the pleasant capital, Brussels, offers to the no
tice OF strangers, my companion and turned
our steps towards the Chamber OF Deputies.
This building is extensive, and occupies three
sides Of square, the fourth being open towards
the parks There is a large, smooth court IN
front, which forms pleasant promenade; but,
in one corner of it, and somewhat marrng the
stateliness of the scene, noticed common
little wooden dog kennel, which | supposed to
belong to a watchdog. Humble as was tins
little tenement, it was connected with an incl
dent, of which had the following history from
my loquacious conductress.
Here" she said," in this place, was the
fercest fighting in the revolution OF 1880; for
several days after the battle, the ground was red
with French and Belgian blood. Just then
shaggy looking dog, somewhat resembling a
large terrier but, as / thought. an ugly speci-
men of his race, walked slowly towards us.
He looked good natured, and ] stopped to pat
him. "Ah!" said the old woman, sc he may
be caressed now with safety, as he is not on
the spot" "What spot2" / inquired; and, in
reply, she told me the following anecdote: " In
the revolutionary army that assembled to OPP
pose the Dutch who invaded our city in the
month of September, 1880, was young
French officer, who, wherever he went, was
followed by the dog you see. The poor lad
was in the thickest of the fighting, on the fatal
2st, and fell, covered with wounds, on spot
which shall show YOU"
She led me towards the centre of the court,
but the dog went before, and lay down near a
smooth stone, looking up at us with an express
sion of fierce defiance.
"Ah, poor fellew!" said the old lady,
"we're not going to disturb you. Don't go
near him, madame, while he's there. That
was the spot where his masters dead body Law,
and he sat beside it, licking the bleeeing wound.
At length ii was removed for burial, but the
dog followed it, and stayed three days beside
the grave. AT the end of that time, he re-
turned here, and Law down where you see him
now, growing savagely, and attacking any
one who tried to dislodge him. Some of the
people about beat him with sticks, and drove
him away; the next day he returned, but was
again cruelty hunted off. When he came back
the third time he was worn to a skeleton from
fatigue and hunger, and looked as if he would
never rise again from his masters death place.
MY HuSUdllu anu Hdu SOuc away loI Willie,
or we would not have suffered the creature to
be ill-treated but one Of the directors, who is a
humane man, CHANGED to pass by just as a
rabble of boys were preparing once more to
torture the poor, faithful dog. He Immediately
dispersed them, and, having inquired into the
circumstances connected with the animal, he
ordered that he should never be molested, that
the kennel which you see should be built for
him, and procured small sum to be allowed
weekly for his maintenance He soon recoy-
cred his strength, and you may see, by his APP
pearance, that he is taken good care of. In
deed, he is well known in the town and the
little masters and misses that play in the park
delight in bringing him sweet cakes, of which
he is very fond. However, they know very
well that, although he is as gentle as a lamb
while he is walking up and down, they must
never attempt to touch him when lying on his
chosen spot, from which, indeed, he never stirs
in any direction farther than a hundred yards.
Many of his young friends have tried to en-
tice him to greater distance; and we have
sometimes allowed him to be hungry, and then
coaxed him on with his most favorite food, but
in vain. He always turned back, and lay down
where his master fell. Seven years have now
passed away, but it is still the same, the dumb
creature never forgets.
During my stay at Brussels | often walked
by this place, and never missed the dog from
his accustomed haunt nor saw him pass the
selt-imposed limits mentioned by the good
woman. Her story was confirmed to me by
others, so that | can see no reason TO doubt Its
truth. do not know the name of the dog of
Brussels; his faithful limbs have no doubt long
ere now mingled with the dust, but memory
often recalls the story of his enduring love.
Perchance the tidings of his young masters
fall brought darkness to the chambers Of some
vine-covered cottage of France, robbed fair
faces of their smiles, and covered graceful forms
with the garb of woe. They wept and la
mented; but a year passed over, and the broth
ers and sisters laughed and conversed as before.
The vacant place of the dead was no longer
needed, and his name had become an unspoken
word. Another year, and his fair affianced
one had consented to become another'S bride.
No tear in that bright'eye, no shadow on that
smooth brow, now told that even one sorrow
ing thought turned toward his lonely grave.
Years still passed on, and even in the
widowed mothers heart the memory Of her
soldier boy waxed dim. She did not forget
him quite, and often some trif1ing object or
event would serve to renew her grief But, at
other times, she would sit and smile, pleased
and conented, as though that sharp sorrow OF
bereavement had never been felt. The brothers
and sisters had each other stlll-the fair be
trothed had another lover--the mother had
many sons--the dog had but one master.
Fond, and faithful to the end, with constancy
that knows no change, that dumb creatures
cold vigils on the stone of Brussels put ever
more to shame our vaunted human Lowell
Chambers's Journal.