Villain, a horse--Villain, I say, give me a horse to fly,
To swim the river, villain, and to fly.

Villain, a horse--Villain, I say, give me a horse to fly,
To swim the river, villain, and to fly.

Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. read more

Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion.

Riding turns 'I wish' into 'I can'.

Riding turns 'I wish' into 'I can'.

A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!

A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!

Horses are predictably unpredictable

Horses are predictably unpredictable

Then I cast loose my buff coat, each halter let fall,
Shook off both my jack-boots, let go belt read more

Then I cast loose my buff coat, each halter let fall,
Shook off both my jack-boots, let go belt and all,
Stood up in the stirrup, leaned, patted his ear,
Called my Roland his pet name, my horse without peer;
Clapped my hands, laughed and sang, any noise bad or good,
'Til at length into Aix Roland galloped and stood.

The horse, the horse! The symbol of surging potency and power of movement, of action.

The horse, the horse! The symbol of surging potency and power of movement, of action.

Round-hoofed, short-jointed, fetlocks shag and long,
Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,
High crest, read more

Round-hoofed, short-jointed, fetlocks shag and long,
Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,
High crest, short ears, straight legs and passing strong,
Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender hide:
Look what a horse should have he did not lack,
Save a proud rider on so proud a back.

Steed threatens steed, in high and boastful neighs
Piercing the night's dull ear; and from the tents
read more

Steed threatens steed, in high and boastful neighs
Piercing the night's dull ear; and from the tents
The armorers accomplishing the knights,
With busy hammers closing rivets up,
Give dreadful note of preparation.