1. I roused ere the dawn with yearning still,
And the night lay dark 'neath its mantle chill,

2. Till a star shone out with a beaming ray,
And up sprang the steed in his stall to neigh.

3. His breath comes hard as he pants amain,
With martingale creaking and bridle-chain,

4. O a gallant courser our leader hath,
That spurneth the pebbles along his path!

5. Yet seen but dimly when dawn's at hand,
Ere his prey he scents and takes his stand.