“Where now, friend, with that wondrous pair?”

From far off to the boor he spoke.

“The bird and ox together in that style?

I pray you, man, why, what a yoke!

But come, to try a little while,

Will you entrust your horse to me?

Look well: a wonder you shall see.”

The hippogriff’s unyoked, and with a smile

The youth springs lightsomely upon his back.

Scarce feels the beast the master’s certain hand,