p to the cognominal distinction of Sir Isaac? I had
prepared a very erudite and subtle treatise upon this query, enlivened
by quotations from the ancient Mystics,--such as Iamblicus and
Proclus,--as well as by a copious reference to the doctrine of the more
modern Spiritualists, from Sir Kenelm Digby and Swedenborg, to Monsieur
Cahagnet and Judge Edwards. It was to be called Inquiry into the Law of
Affinities, by Philomopsos: when, unluckily for my treatise, I arrived
at the knowledge of a fact which, though it did not render the treatise
less curious, knocked on the head the theory upon which it was based.
The baptismal name of the old soldier, Mop's first proprietor and
earliest preceptor, was Isaac; and his master being called in the homely
household by that Christian name, the sound had entered into Mop's
youngest and most endeared associations. His canine affections had done
much towards ripening his scholastic education. "Where is Isaac?" "Call
Isaac!" "Fetch Isaac his hat," etc. Stilled was that name when the
old soldier died; but when heard again, Mop's heart was moved, and in
missing the old master, he felt more at home with the new. As for the
title, "Sir," it was a mere expletive in his ears. Such was the fact,
and such the deduction to be drawn from it. Not that it will satisfy
every one. I know that philosophers who deny all that they have not
witnessed, and refuse to witness what they resolve to deny, will reject
the story in toto; and will prove, by reference to their own dogs,
that a dog never recognizes the name of his master,--never yet could be
taught arithmetic. I know also that there are Mystics who will prefer
to believe that Mop was in direct spiritual communication with unseen
Isaacs, or in a state of clairvoyance, or under the influence of the
odic fluid. But did we ever yet find in human reason a question with
only one side to it? Is not truth a polygon? Have not sages arisen in
our day to deny even the principle of gravity, for which we bad been
so long contentedly taking the word of the great Sir Isaac? It is that
blessed spirit of controversy which keeps the world going; and it is
that which, perhaps, explains why Mr. Waife, when his memory was fairly
put to it, could remember, out of the history of the myriads who have
occupied our planet from the date of Adam to that in which I now write,
so very few men whom the world will agree to call wise, and out of that
very few so scant a percentage w