william cowper, 1787

I must tell you a feat of my dog Beau. Walking by the river side, I observed some water-lilies floating at a little distance from the bank. They are a large white flower, with an orange-colored eye, very beautiful. I had a desire to gather one, and, having your long cane in my hand, by the help of it endeavored to bring one of them within my reach. But the attempt proved vain, and I walked forward. Beau had all the while observed me very attentively. Returning soon after toward the same place, I observed him plunge into the river, while I was about forty yards distant from him; and, when I had reached the spot, he swam to land with a lily in his mouth, which he came and laid at my foot.

-- Letter to Lady Hesketh, 1787, from Frank Jackson, Faithful Friends. William Cowper was an 18th century British poet in whose work nature is stirringly evoked.