6o A Happy Horse. 



sinante till called upon. But when the bit plays 

 in your mouth, you are as full of life and action 

 as the steeds of Diomed with flowing manes. 

 Your eye and ear are an index to your mood, and 

 you reflect your rider's wish in every step. No 

 man ever bestrode a more generous beast than 

 you. Do you remember, Patroclus, the days 

 when you carried your little twelve-year-old mis- 

 tress, and how her first lessons in fine equitation 

 were taken in your company? And cleverly did 

 she learn indeed. Do you remember how we used 

 to put you on your honor, though you were only a 

 five-year-old and dearly loved to romp and play } 

 Ay, Patroclus, and fairly did you answer the ap- 

 peal ! With the gentle burden on your broad, 

 strong back, her golden-red hair streaming be- 

 hind her in the breeze from under her jaunty hat, 

 you would have ridden through fire, my beauty, 

 rather than betray your trust. However tempted 

 to a bound, or however startled at some fearsome 

 thing, one word — a "Quiet, Pat!" — from that 

 soft girlish voice, now hushed for both of us, 

 would never fail to keep you kind and steady. 

 And you were ever willing, with even more than 

 your accustomed alacrity, to perform your airs at 

 the slightest encouragement of the soft hands and 

 gentle voice ; and having done so would lay back 

 your ears and shake your head with very pleasure 

 at the rippling laughter in which your pretty rid- 



