Its hoofs, well shod with glittering steel,
Strike fire at every tread.
Gleams on its neck a ring, and on
Its tail a ribbon gay;
Fair trappings o’er its back he throws,
Then mounts and speeds away.
E’en as he gains the glittering course,
The horns all loudly sound;
While, in the ever-thickening crowd,
The eager horses bound.
“Who the great barrier of the field
Shall leap at one clear spring,
Perfect and free, the same shall wed
The daughter of the king!”
Wildly thereat the young colt neighs,
Prances, and bounds amain;
His gleaming eyes flash eager fire,
He paws the ground with keen desire,
Then flies across the plain.