a muttish dog

[I]t is related that at the same Time, and with the same trembling of the Earth, the Superliminary which is the lintel or superior Stone of the Gate of the Temple, fell down, and that the Angels that presided there were heard to say, Let us go hence.

The letter they sent was a goof-up; it was intended for someone else.

(please add the primary text of this quote) Their insolence and recklessness must be opposed, and better late than never.