On which he rode, Roderick’s own battle-horse,

Who from his master’s hand had wont to feed,

And with a glad docility obey

His voice familiar. At the sight the Goth

Started, and indignation to his soul

Brought back the thoughts and feelings of old times.

Suffer me, Count, he cried, to answer him,

And hold these back the while! Thus having said,

He waited no reply, but as he was,

Bareheaded, in his weeds, and all unarm’d,