Lord Byron dogs into the water, each with an arm in the ship Captain’s new scarlet waistcoat, to the annoyance of the Captain and the amusement of the crew. Byron had a great love of animals, most notably for a Newfoundland dog named Boatswain. When the animal contracted rabies, Byron nursed him, albeit unsuccessfully, without any thought or fear of becoming bitten and infected. Although deep in debt at the time, Byron commissioned an impressive marble funerary monument for Boatswain at Newstead Abbey, larger than his own, and the only building work which he ever carried out on his estate. In his
He Is Na Dog, He Is a Lam poet. James Dog is subsequently compared to a lamb. However, for reasons which are not explained, it is clear that Dunbar's change of heart is insincere. While praising Dog extravagantly for his good nature and helpfulness the poet introduces new insults which are far more offensive than the previous ones. The text of the poem is found in the Maitland Folio Manuscript where it is entitled "Of the Aforesaid James Dog" and has the postscript "Quod Dunbar of the said James quhen he had plesett him". Dunbar appeals to the Queen to treat his "faithful brother" well. He asserts that,