PATROCLUS AND PENELOPE. 



A CHAT IN THE SADDLE. 



I. 



We are fast friends, Patroclus, and many 's the 

 hour since, five years ago, I bought you, an im- 

 petuous but good-tempered and intelligent three- 

 year-old colt, whom every one thought too flighty 

 to be of much account, that you and I have spent 

 in each other's company upon the pretty subur- 

 ban roads of Boston. And many 's the scamper 

 and frolic that we Ve had across the fields, and 

 many 's the quiet stroll through the shady woods ! 

 For you and I, Patroclus, can go where it takes a 

 goodish horse to follow in our wake. I wonder, 

 as I look into your broad and handsome face, 

 whether you know and love me as well as I do 

 you. Indeed, when you whinny at my distant 

 step, or rub your inquisitive old nose against my 

 hands or towards my pocket, begging for another 

 handful of oats or for a taste of salt or sugar ; 

 or when you confidingly lower your head to have 

 me rub your ears, with so much restful intelli- 



