His Points. 2 1 



horse upon the turf, or perchance a grander per- 

 former after hounds, thrice your value to whoso 

 will find fault or blemish upon you, my Patro- 

 clus! You are blood-bay and glossy as a satin 

 kerchief. You are near sixteen hands ; short 

 coupled enough to carry weight, and long enough 

 below to take an ample stride. You tread as 

 light as a steel watch-spring quivers. A woman's 

 face has rarely a sweeter or more trusting look 

 than yours in repose ; a falcon's eye is no keener 

 when aroused. You will follow me like a dog, 

 and your little mistresses can fondle you in stall 

 or paddock. You have all the life and endurance 

 of the thoroughbred, the intelligence of the Arab, 

 the perfect manners of the park, and the power 

 and discretion of a Midland Counties hunter. 

 Like the old song, you have 



" A head like a snake, and a skin like a mouse, 



An eye like a woman, bright, gentle, and brown ; 

 With loins and a back that would carry a house, 

 And quarters to lift you smack over a town." 



May it be many a year yet, Patroclus, before I 

 must pension you off for good ! 



You stand for me to mount as steady as a rock. 

 And you know your crippled master's needs so 

 well that you would do it in the whirl of a stam- 

 pede. I will leave the reins upon your neck and 



