IX.

"'Bring forth the horse!'--the horse was brought! In truth, he was a noble steed, A Tartar of the Ukraine breed, 360 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; 370 They loosed him with a sudden lash-- Away!--away!--and on we dash!-- Torrents less rapid and less rash.