Bring me a steed with a tossing mane, Trip him with lasso on Neptune's green plain ; Bring him, so cumbered and chaffing, to me ; I will break him and ride him out over the sea ! His headstall shall be of clear amber and pearl, With plumes and with ribbons of foam on the curl ; Let the swimmer beware of his lifted hoof, And the skiff of the fisher keep far aloof ! Yet the mermaids shall lead him with garlands of dulse, And bait him with cresses and blossoming pulse ; And the little sea-children may play their mad pranks, All astride of his neck and his glistening flanks !