With the first sudden crash the Prince’s steed
Took the long stride, and galloped at good need.
The wild pace tallied with the rider’s mood,
And on he spurred, and even now had reached
The storm that charged the borders of the wood,
When one great whirlwind seized an oak which bleached
Across his path, and felled it; and its fall
Bore down the Prince beneath it, horse and all.
There lay he as he fell; but the mad horse
Plunged out in fright, and reared upon his feet,