“Younger? Why, man, this horse’ll never grow old! Wait and take a look at him.”
The “old” horse was led out, bold and ambitious, his eyes bright, his ears pointing, his spirit fresh as ever! He stepped smartly about, supple and sound as a horse of ten, at the most. It is the spirit that makes the horse and there was a springiness of youth in his gait. Well had he known—this wise animal—that every trait and characteristic he developed in himself would be his gift to posterity! His feeling of responsibility to future generations was great.[15]
A week later the Morgan was led to the Tavern entrance in Burlington. He stepped nobly, and understood all the paces and evolutions of a showy parade-horse.
At the door of the Tavern appeared a man, noticeable for that dignified and courtly bearing that marked the Colonial gentleman. He was attired in a costume of the latest cut—somewhat new to the Vermonters.
He raised his hat and bowed to the right and left as cheer after cheer rose from the people who recognized their President.
Accompanied by General Joseph G. Swift, he started down the steps.
Suddenly over the face of President James Monroe there passed a look of keen interest, followed by one of intense admiration.
He had caught sight of Morgan, and his eye, unerring in its judgment of horseflesh, was arrested at once by his vigorous and fearless style. He turned to a group of officials.
“I see, gentlemen,” he said, in a tone of genuine appreciation, “that Vermont can produce a horse worthy of her heroes!”
A moment later and he had thrown his leg over the back of the proudest horse in America!