46271His ears up-pricked, his braided hanging mane

272Upon his compassed crest now stand on end;

273His nostrils drink the air, and forth again,

274As from a furnace, vapors doth he send.

275 His eye, which scornfully glisters like fire,

276 Shows his hot courage and his high desire.

47277Sometime he trots, as if he told the steps,

278With gentle majesty and modest pride.

279Anon he rears upright, curvets, and leaps,

280As who should say, "Lo, thus my strength is tried,

281 And this I do to captivate the eye

282 Of the fair breeder that is standing by."

48283What recketh he his rider's angry stir,

284His flattering "Holla," or his "Stand, I say"?

285What cares he now for curb or pricking spur,

286For rich caparisons or trappings gay?

287 He sees his love, and nothing else he sees,

288 For nothing else with his proud sight agrees.

49289Look when a painter would surpass the life

290In limning out a well-proportioned steed,

291His art with nature's workmanship at strife,

292As if the dead the living should exceed,

293 So did this horse excel a common one

294 In shape, in courage, color, pace, and bone.

50295Round-hoofed, short-jointed, fetlocks shag and long,

296Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,

297High crest, short ears, straight legs, and passing strong,

298Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender hide:

299 Look what a horse should have he did not lack,

300 Save a proud rider on so proud a back.