Stealthy and slow as a hidden sin,
“From Belton Castle to Solway side,
Ride how you will, is three days’ ride.”
My love drooped low on the black mare’s back,
Drowned in her hair ... the reins went slack ...
Yet she could not sleep, save to dream bad dreams,
And wake all trembling, till at last
Her golden head lay on my breast.
At last we saw the first faint gleams
Of day. Dawn broke. A sickly light