That peculiar uneasiness, which arises from the fear that a rival will
dispossess us of the affection of one whom we love, or the suspicion
that he has already done so, is termed jealousy. There are two forms
of this passion, one connected with the love of some other being,
and the other dependent on the love of self. But it is the former,
whose definition begins the present paragraph, with which we shall
exclusively deal. It is evident from the meaning of jealousy, as given
above, that the power of reasoning is implied, and that any creature
by which it is manifested must be able to deduce a conclusion from
premises. No matter if the conclusion drawn by the animal be wrong,
the process, however incorrect it may be, is, it cannot be denied,
still one of reasoning. All who have possessed pet animals must be
familiar with the exceeding jealousy displayed by most of them. Most
strongly is this feeling manifested when an animal has been the only
pet and another is introduced into the house. Where there are two or
more dogs in the same family, one is often amused at the boundless
jealousy displayed toward each other while engaged in the service of
the master, although at other times they were on the most excellent
terms. Bus is the name of a favorite dog belonging to a friend. No more
affectionate dog ever lived. Beagle was his companion. When they were
by themselves, life was a round of frolics and rambles. No matter how
rough and exciting their plays were, they never got cross, but endured
everything with patience and forgiveness of spirit. Beagle was a clever
animal, and very fond of the chase. Many a ground-hog would he dislodge
from its burrow and fight to the death, while Bus would look on with
wonder and admiration. But let the slightest attention be shown by the
master to Beagle, and Bus’s jealousy and anger became unbounded. He
would fly at his friend in the most infuriated manner, rending him with
tooth and claw, while Beagle would quietly slip around the corner of
the house to get out of the reach of his companion’s temper. Beagle,
being a large and powerful dog, had in him the ability to give Bus a
very sound whipping, but he was too noble and magnanimous a creature
to take advantage of one younger and smaller than himself. He would
always allow Bus to have his own way, knowing that the passion which
was lacerating the bosom of his young companion and playmate would
soon spend itself, and the latter, ashamed and abashed, would be soon
seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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