He showed off his paces and then
offered him as a free gift to anyone who could stick on him without a
fall. Several farm-lads tried and he threw them by simple buckings and
rearings. Some more experienced horse-wranglers tried, but he threw one
after the other.
"Then there came forward Blaesus Agellus, the best horse-master about
Reate. He had watched till he thought he knew all the young stallion's
tricks. No kicking, rearing or bucking could unseat him and the beast
tried several unusual and bizarre contortions. Blaesus stuck on. Then the
horse-dealer seemed to give a signal, as the horse cantered tamely round
the ring.
"Instantly the horse, without any motion which gave warning of what he was
about to do, threw himself sideways flat on the ground.
"Blaesus was stunned and his right leg badly bruised, though not broken.
"The owner gloried in his treasure and boasted of his control over the
horse, even at a distance.
"Then Hedulio came forward. The crowd was visibly amazed to see a young
nobleman put himself on a level with the commonality. But they all knew
Hedulio's affable ways and there were no hoots or jeers.
"Hedulio examined the horse carefully, fetlocks, hoofs, mouth and all.
Then he gentled and patted it.
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