George and His Dog

George had a large and noble dog.
With hair as soft as silk;
A few black spots upon his back,
The rest as white as milk.

And many a happy hour they had,
In dull or shining weather;
For, in the house, or in the fields,
They always were together.

The faithful creature knew full well
When Master wished to ride;
And he would kneel down on the grass,
While Georgy climbed his side

They both were playing in the field.
When all at once they saw
A little squirrel on a stump,
With an acorn in his paw

The dog still looked with eager eye,
And George could plainly see,
It was as much as he could do
To let the squirrel be.

The timid creature would have feared
The dog so bold and strong,
But he seemed to know the little boy
Would let him do no wrong.

He felt a spirit of pure love
Around the gentle boy,
As if good angels, hovering there,
Watched over him in joy.

And true it is that angels oft
Good little George have led;
They’re with him in his happy play.
They guard his little bed;

They keep his heart so kind and true,
They make his eye so mild,
For dearly do the angels love,
A gentle little child.