The supposed origins of this phrase dates back to the 16th century. In spite of contradictory conventions applied to the __X__ in the phrase __Y__, it still remains amongst the most popular cliches in the world.
A supposed origin is from the lawyer George Graham Vest's tear-jerking speech that became known as the Eulogy to __X__:
"Gentlemen of the jury, a __X__ stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow, and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near him. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens."
SO:
ID X & Y
A supposed origin is from the lawyer George Graham Vest's tear-jerking speech that became known as the Eulogy to __X__:
"Gentlemen of the jury, a __X__ stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow, and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near him. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens."
The New-York Literary Journa states in Volume 4, 1821:
The faithful __X__ - why should I strive
To speak his merits, while they live
In every breast, and __Y__
Does often at his heels attend.
SO:
ID X & Y
2 comments:
the faithful dog & every dog has his day
dog
man's best friend
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