Northern mythology

XETHERLANDISH TRADITIONS. 221
;
Ypres, tempted by tlie coolness of the evenings were walking
slowly through the city, when, in
the Temple street,
they were surprised by the sight of a little horse, which
seemed to be wandering about \\dthout a master. The
animal was of such extraordinary beauty, that the three
maidens stood still to admire it. Its skin was white,
without hair, and exceedingly smooth; on each haunch
there appeared, as if embroidered, a green parrot, and
round its body hung many garlands of flowers ; its legs
were as round as turned pillars, its mane was of gold
fringe, and its tail composed of many-coloured ribands
on its back was a saddle of rose-coloured damask.
While the three maidens were thus standing lost in
wonder at the uncommon beauty of the horse, a man came
running, who appeared to be the master of the strayed
animal, who turning to the delighted females, asked them
if they had ever seen so handsome a palfrey? '^^o/'
answered they in ecstasy. " That I can easily believe,^^
continued he in a courteous tone, " for this horse comes
from Japan. I have only to-day arrived in Ypres : its
qualities render it even more worthy of admiration than
its beautiful form. It will not suffer any male to ride it,
and instantly throws any one that ventures to make the
experiment ; but it is particularly adapted to carry young
damsels, as you may perceive by its splendid saddle.
"V^Tienever such wish to mount it, it instantly sinks down
And if you are
on its knees, to receive them on its back.
inclined, ladies, to make a little tour with it, let all three
mount, and say where you live, or whither you would like
to go ; it will convey you thither with all comfort, as if it
felt itself flattered at being employed in the service of the
fair.^^
" What say you V said Magdalena, who was the boldest
of the three, to her two friends "
; I have already been on
horseback once, and if you will venture, I will sit fore-