Three tranquil years passed away, during which, each day added
to my happiness, by adding to my knowledge. My biloquial faculty
was not neglected. I improved it by assiduous exercise; I deeply
reflected on the use to which it might be applied. I was not
destitute of pure intentions; I delighted not in evil; I was
incapable of knowingly contributing to another's misery, but the
sole or principal end of my endeavours was not the happiness of
others.

I was actuated by ambition. I was delighted to possess
superior power; I was prone to manifest that superiority, and was
satisfied if this were done, without much solicitude concerning
consequences. I sported frequently with the apprehensions of my
associates, and threw out a bait for their wonder, and supplied
them with occasions for the structure of theories. It may not be
amiss to enumerate one or two adventures in which I was engaged.



Chapter III.


I had taken much pains to improve the sagacity of a favourite
Spaniel. It was my purpose, indeed, to ascertain to what degree of
improvement the principles of reasoning and imitation could be
carried in a dog. There is no doubt that the animal affixes
distinct ideas to sounds. What are the possible limits of his
vocabulary no one can tell. In conversing with my dog I did not
use English words, but selected simple monosyllables. Habit
likewise enabled him to comprehend my gestures. If I crossed my