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8 But first, outspent with this long course, The Cossack prince rubb’d down his horse, And made for him a leafy bed, And smooth’d his fetlocks and his mane, And slack’d his girth, and stripp’d his rein, And joy’d to see how well he fed; For until now he had the dread His wearied courser might refuse To browze beneath the midnight dews: But he was hardy as his lord, And little cared for bed and board; But spirited and docile too; Whate’er was to be done, would do. Shaggy and swift, and strong of limb, All Tartar-like he carried him; Obey’d his voice, and came at call, And knew him in the midst of all: Though thousands were around,—and Night, Without a star, pursued her flight,— That steed from sunset until dawn His chief would follow like a fawn.