And seem'd to fight with thought.

At last,

As if the final die was cast,

And cast as carelessly as one

Would toss a white coin in the sun,

He touch'd his rein once more, and then

His pistol laid with idle heed

Prone down the toss'd mane of his steed,

And he rode down the rugged way

Tow'rd where the wide, white desert lay,