1. At dawn I set forth well provisioned
On a steed accomplished, triumph assured;

2. Nourished it was on the pollen of flowers,
A piebald, bold, and tireless in raid.

3. It champs at the bit through the long night watch,
Pawing, neighing, eager for morning light.

4. Swift, when the clarion sounds for the charge,
As lightning that cleaves through the thunderclouds.

5. Not a planet that flames and suddenly fades,
Not the grass that springs up when sweet showers fall,

6. Is as fleet as it is, when it senses the rest,
And bounds to the battle o’er hillside and dale.

7. When it takes to heel, chasing the phantom forms,
It could fly through the air, though no wings had it grown.

8. Full many a steed of generous breed and fire
Has it outstripped, their strength and pride overthrown.

9. It leaves them behind, their flanks bleeding and torn,
It leaves them behind, their flanks bleeding and torn.