Stood by his side, and silently
To his brave father pressed.
The horse stood nigh; the father kissed,
And tossed the boy astride.
“Farewell!” he cried, “and for thy life,
That way, my darling, ride!”
Scarce touched the saddle ere the boy
Leaped lightly to the ground,
And smote the horse upon its flank,
That with a quivering bound