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.
