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

154 The Colt, that for a Stallion is design'd, By sure Presages shows his generous Kind, Of able Body, sound of Limb and Wind. 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; Sharp headed, Barrel belly'd, broadly back'd. Brawny his Chest, and deep, his Colour gray; For Beauty dappled, or the brightest Bay: Faint white and dun will scarce the Rearing pay. The fiery Courser, when he hears from far, 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. His horny Hoofs are jetty black, and round; 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. 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.