226 THE WONDER-BOOK OF HORSES 



was SO astonished that the hall became suddenly 

 silent; the laughter ceased, the minstrels forgot 

 their music, and the guests turned about in their 

 places to gaze at the unexpected sight. The horse 

 walked straight toward the dais where the king 

 sat, and when he was within speaking distance 

 paused. Then the knight saluted the king and 

 queen and lords with a grace and courtesy which 

 none of them had ever seen excelled, and with a 

 manly voice delivered his message. 



" The king of Araby and of Ind, whose servant 

 I am," said he, " sends salutations to you. He 

 has also sent to you, O king, in honor of your an- 

 niversary, this horse of brass, which can in the 

 space of four and twenty hours bear you without 

 danger into whatsoever part of the world you may 

 wish to go. Or if you choose to soar aloft as an 

 eagle, and look down from the mountain-tops, he 

 will carry you thither. The whole thing is as 

 simple as turning a pin. This sword is also a pres- 

 ent to you from my king. It has an edge so keen 

 and sharp that it will cut through the heaviest 

 armor, and no metal can withstand its stroke. 

 And yet it has another property that makes it even 

 more valuable ; for, should any man be wounded 

 with it, you can immediately heal him by passing 



