BOUGHT AND SOLD 



Like some equestrian statue 

 Made of marble or of brass, 



Or like a tree deep rooted. 



We were fixtures on the grass. 



I turn'd again and faced it, 



Dealt the whip and plied the spur. 

 He touch'd it with his nostril, 



But no further would he stir. 



In vain I tried to coax him. 



Tried to rouse him with a shout, 



I raced him round the pasture, 

 But I never got him out. 



In despair I view'd the fast ones, 

 Speeding onward in their flight ; 



Eyed with envy every straggler. 

 Till the last was out of sight. 



Good indeed he was at staying. 



For no power could move him on ; 



What mockery, remember'd then. 

 Was " Going, going, gone ! " 



Then the secret unsuspected. 

 The truth till then unknown, 



Came out, — the splendid creature 

 Had a temper of his own, 



" Rarey upon Restiveness," 

 Who now that volume heeds ? 



Hunting days are far too precious 

 To be spent in taming steeds. 



187 



