Sol 6.1

  1. And indeed, I ride out at dawn on a steed adorned by

    The face of one drained of blood and a cheek like a whetstone.

  2. With a neck that makes his handler reach high,

    Easy in hand, strongly built, with flowing locks.

  3. Compact as an arrow-shaft, with no flaw in him

    That could be seen in him, nor any splitting at the knots.

  4. The shaft-maker set him right; his crookedness was straightened

    By the pressure of his two palms and polishing with rough hide.

  5. Whatever breach is feared, he is summoned for it;

    And when not led out, he is carefully kept,

  6. Like the house's cherished child, his horsecloth is split

    By plentiful fodder and milk fed before dawn.

  7. So we saw his conditioning through until he wintered,

    At ease in mind, relentless on his course.

  8. Then, when a wild ass wheels about,

    And ostriches flee after coming into view,

  9. One with surging vigor outstripped us, making us scorn

    The ground's cover and putting protective screens before us.

  10. He renews his gallop with an unrestrained outpouring,

    Like rain brimming in aged rain-clouds.

  11. A keen, cutting rush sent the wild calves running;

    And, fierce and unconquered, he overtook the herd.

  12. So whoever holds him praises him:

    Eager as a wolf, with his halter-rope stretched taut.

  13. And behold, we have four beside us;

    The one asking after us finds his way by the smoke.

Sol 6.1