Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/318

The Colt, that for a Stallion is design'd,$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
By sure Presages shows his generous Kind,
Of able Body, sound of Limb and Wind. 120
Upright he walks, on Pasterns firm and straight;
His Motions easie; prancing in his Gate.
The first to lead the Way, to tempt the Flood;
To pass the Bridge unknown, nor fear the trembling Wood.
Dauntless at empty Noises; lofty neck'd; 125
Sharp headed, Barrel belly'd, broadly back'd.
Brawny his Chest, and deep, his Colour gray;$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
For Beauty dappled, or the brightest Bay:
Faint white and dun will scarce the Rearing pay.
The fiery Courser, when he hears from far, 130
The sprightly Trumpets, and the shouts of War,
Pricks up his Ears; and trembling with Delight,
Shifts place, and paws; and hopes the promis'd Fight.
On his right Shoulder his thick Mane reclin'd,
Ruffles at speed; and dances in the Wind. 135
His horny Hoofs are jetty black, and round;$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
His Chine is double; starting, with a bound
He turns the Turf, and shakes the solid Ground.
Fire from his Eyes, Clouds from his Nostrils flow:
He bears his Rider headlong on the Foe. 140
Such was the Steed in Græcian Poets fam'd,
Proud Cyllarus, by Spartan Pollux tam'd:
Such Coursers bore to Fight the God of Thrace;
And such, Achilles, was thy warlike Race.