UNCLE NED'S TALE.
201
I struck my horse: with awful bound he rose right o'er their steel!
"Well, boy, I cannot tell you how that dreadful leap was made.
But there I rode, inside the square, and grasped a reeking blade.
I cared not that I was alone, my eyes seem filled with blood:
I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.
I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain or wound.
But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.
I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.
The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.
They saw his fright, and pressed him then: his terror made him rear.
And falling back he crushed their ranks, and broke their guarded square!
