314 MEMORIES OF MEN AND HORSES 



The raging Ailesbury, with instinct fine, 



Bred all of purity, had made his quest, 



Unceasing since her loss, for his dear love ; 



And on this day, by prayer and penance shrived 



His mind more subtile than the sons of earth 



He saw, in spirit, where indeed she was, 



And sped to save her. To the Grange he came, 



Nor recked of rules which bade him not be there. 



Peerless and proud he strode his onward course, 



His flat hat seeming like a knightly helm, 



And the box-coat with which he was enswathed 



Presenting full resistance to the foe. 



Led by the heart-read instinct of true love, 



He pressed on straight to Dorothea ; she 



Sprang in amaze ; but he, with quiet mien 



" Come hence a little, I would talk with you." 



So went she forth obedient, and away 



A certain space and talked with Ailesbury. 



But Riley, who, on other things intent, 

 Had left the lady, now returned again, 

 And found her not ; so started on the quest ; 

 Nor sought he long, for soon he saw her there 

 With Ailesbury in converse ; and he sped 

 Athwart the space, and the two heroes gripped. 



And now befell the deeds of derring-do, 

 Worthy of ancient time ; for she was there, 

 The Queen of Beauty, and the victor's prize, 

 Though much she doubted which she wished to win, 

 And with umbrella strove to stay the blows. 

 They, madly wrathful, beat the empty air, 

 With dread intent but little injury ; 



