23
body of the unhappy Aubri was found. Some time after, the dog accidentally met the assassin; who is styled, by all the histo- rians that relate this fcat. the Chevalier Macaire; when, instantly seizing him by the throat, he was with great difficulty compelled to quit his hold. In short, whenever the dog saw the cheva- lier, he continued to pursue and attack him with equal fury. Such obstinate virulence on the animal, confined only to Macaire, ap- peared very extraordinary, especially to those who at once recollected the dog's remarkable attachment to his master, and several in- stances in which Macaire's envy and hatred to Aubri de Mondidier had been conspicuous. Additional circumstances increased sus- picion; and at length the affair reached the royal car. The king (Louis VIII.) accord- gly sent for the dog, who appeared extreme- ly gentle till he perceived Macaire in the midst of several nobleman; when he ran fiercely towards him, growling at, and attack- ing, him as usual. In those rude times, when no positive proof of a crime appeared, an order was issued for a combat between the accuser and the accused. These were denominated the Judgments of God, from a persuasion that heaven would much sooner work a miracle than suffer inno- cence to perish with infamy.