Nothing but wisdom meets me manifest

In the procedure of the Twentieth Day

Of April, 'Seventy,—folly's year in France.

It was delightful Spring, and out of doors

Temptation to adventure. Walk or ride?

There was a wild young horse to exercise,

And teach the way to go, and pace to keep:

Monsieur Léonce Miranda chose to ride.

So, while they clapped soft saddle straight on back,

And bitted jaw to satisfaction,—since