THE MARE AND HER MASTER 



IV 



Remembrance then dwells on each hard-ridden 



run, 

 On the country we cross'd, on the laurels we won ; 

 Fleet limbs once extended, now cribb'd in their 



stall, 

 They speak of past triumphs, past gallops recall. 



V 



I remember, when baulk'd of our start at the find, 

 How we slipp'd, undismay'd, through the rabble 



behind ; 

 No check to befriend us, still tracking the burst, 

 Till by dint of sheer swiftness the last became first. 



VI 



And that day I remember, when crossing the bed 



Of a deep rolling river, the pack shot ahead ; 



How the dandies, though cased in their waterproof 



Peals, 

 Stood aghast as we stemm'd it, and stuck to their 



heels. 



VII 



How ere Jack with his hammer had riven the nail, 

 And unhing'd the park-gate, we had skimm'd the oak 



pale ; 

 Over bogs where the hoof of the cocktail stuck 



fast. 

 How her foot without sinking Camilla-like pass'd. 



159 



