THE HORSE. 13 



solemn by the beauty of the scene and the warlike appearance of 

 the various tribes whose long resistance has given glory to the 

 French arms, the Emperor could not prevent himself from givinp- 

 way to visible emotion. The Bey of Tunis was present at this 

 grand solemnity." 



"Paris, 28th September, 1860. 

 " General Count Pierre Schouvaloff, Grand Master of Police at 

 St. Petersburg, and his brother, Count Paul Schouvaloff, both 

 aides-de-camp to the Emperor of Russia, were received the day be- 

 fore yesterday by the Emperor Napoleon, and had the honour of 

 presenting to his Majesty four horses, sent as a present by the 

 Emperor Alexander. These fine animals, which have been accom- 

 panied to Paris by a veterinary surgeon, four hussars, and a non- 

 commissioned officer of the Imperial Guard, are of the celebrated 

 Orloff race, and come from the Imperial breeding stud at Chre- 

 novsky. They were selected from among a great number by Ihe 

 Czar himself ; and during the two mouths that their journey from 

 the very heart of Russia has occupied, they have been the objects of 

 the greatest care. His Majesty greatly admired the beauty, 

 strength, and symmetry of the horses, and expressed to the Counts 

 Schouvaloff how gratified he felt at a mark of attention which 

 showed the friendly relations existing between the two Sove- 

 reigns." 



In war, the value of these noble animals to man is well 

 described by Shakspeare's thrilling exclamation of KIitt 

 Richard — 



" A horse I a horse ! my kingdom for a horse ! '' 



In like manner, in civil life, how often has the school- 

 boy, who in his infancy had clutched with ecstasy his toy 

 — a little spotted horse on wheels — felt that he would 

 give his birthright for a pony ! 



