Three horsemen galloped the dusty way While sun and moon were both in the sky; An old crone crouched in the cactus’ shade, And craved an alms as they rode by. A friendless hag she seemed to be, But the queen of a bandit crew was she. One horseman tossed her a scanty dole, A scoffing couplet the second trolled; But the third, from his blue eyes frank and free, No glance vouchsafed the beldam old; As toward the sunset and the sea, No evil fearing, rode the three. A curse she gave for the pittance small, A gibe for the couplet ’s ribald word; But that which once had been her heart At sight of the silent horseman stirred: And safe through the ambushed band they speed For the sake of the rider who would not heed!
On the Road to Chorrera
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Three horsemen galloped the dusty way While sun and moon were both in the sky; An old crone crouched in the cactus’ shade, And craved an alms as they rode by. A friendless hag she seemed to be, But the queen of a bandit crew was she. One horseman tossed her a scanty dole, A...
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