An interesting and affecting story is told of two of these brave dogs having once saved the life of a little boy who had lost his way on the mountain.—(See Pictures I. II. III.)
I.
It was a clear, cold, winter night,
The heavens all brightly starred,
Where on Mount Bernard’s snowy height
The good monks kept their guard.
And round their hearth, that night, they told
To one who shelter craved,
How the brave dog, he thought so old,
Full forty lives had saved;
When, suddenly, with kindling eye,
Up sprang the old dog there,
As from afar a child’s shrill cry
Rung through the frosty air.
In haste the monks unbarred the door,
Rugs round the mastiffs threw;
And as they bounded forth once more,
Called, “Blessings be with you!”
II.
They hurried headlong down the hill,
Past many a snow-wreath wild,
Until the older guide stood still
Beside a sleeping child.
He licked the little icy hand
With his rough, kindly tongue;
With his warm breath he gently fanned
The tresses fair and long.