"Off she took the check-rein, Dobbin,
Chatting fast the while.
'There! you darling Pony Rollo,
We won't care for style.
"'You shan't wear the horrid check-rein,
Little pony mine;
And we'll both be just as happy
If we're not so fine.'
"That I held my head up proudly
As I tried to show
All my joy in this new freedom
You will surely know.
"And I heard them,—Yes, I heard them
Say the time was near
When all check-reins should be banished;
And,—now you shall hear!—
"Then they said, old Dobbin's check-rein
No more would they use!
There!" said joyful Pony Rollo,
"Isn't that good news?"
Boy or girl with horse or pony
Which you love full well,
Has he any check-rein story
Glad as this to tell?