IX |
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IX
"`Bring forth the horse!" - the horse was brought; In truth, he was a noble steed, A Tartar of the Ukraine breed, Who looked as though the speed of thought Were in his limbs; but he was wild, Wild as the wild deer, and untaught, With spur and bridle undefiled - `Twas but a day he had been caught; And snorting, with erected mane, And struggling fiercely, but in vain, In the full foam of wrath and dread To me the desert-born was led: They bound me on, that menial throng, Upon his back with many a thong; They loosed him with a sudden lash - Away! - away! - and on we dash! - Torrents less rapid and less rash. |