Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/276

 day be termed. You have made the collar of knighthood the decoration of a mere blood-hound."

"What can I do?" said Montrose. "I had no bones to give him, and I cannot follow the chase alone. Besides, the dog has good qualities."

"If nature has given him such," said Menteith, "habit has converted them into feelings of intense selfishness. He may be punctilious concerning his reputation, and brave in the execution of his duty, but it is only because without these qualities he cannot rise in service;—nay, his very benevolence is selfish; he may defend his companion while he kept his feet, but the instant he is down, Sir Dugald will be as ready to ease him of his purse, as he is to convert the skin of Gustavus into a buff jerkin."

"And yet, if all this were true, cousin," answered Montrose, "there is something convenient in commanding a soldier, upon whose motives and springs of action you