Morning journal and courier., 1891-01-09
RETROsPECT OF OLD DUKE.

To the Editor Of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
 I have heard men say that horses had but one idea at time; that they were de- void of reasoning powers and that their memory was limited. The verdict is un- just, be assured, for am a horse myself, and who knows better than I what know and what can remember.
 My memory reaches back to my infan tile colthood, when was petted and ca ressed by the little daughters of my own CT, who loved and respected me because I, like themselves, was aristocratic, for am a thoroughbred horse with pedigree un- surpassed. Dear to my heart was this play-time of my life, and the retrospec- tion is sweet even for horse.
 Finally my master thought it time for sober action; accordingly one day I was brought out to be broken, as they call it. I was shown rope tied into cunning knot, and while inspecting it with eyes and nose to gratify my curiosity, for horses have curiosity as well, discovered that my confidence had been misplaced, for by dexterous movement of the train CT the rope had taken the form of halter and was placed firmly around my head and nose, and was a prisoner, which was very humiliating to me, who had always capered and roamed about at my own will, so stood with apparent meekness, won dering what would come next I had not long to wait, for being so submissive a subject, the next came quickly enough A harness was brought and fitted upon me. I bore the insult with much dignity, for was I not descended from the famous Hambletonian stock, and should I disgrace my forefathers with unhorsely conduct, but when found my freedom completely fettered by wagon as we'll as harness my blood began to rise, and I determined to have my revenge, so with a little dexter ous movement of my own l sent the would-be master over my head and leaving him houndering in the dust and filled with amazement and rage started at a rapid gait down the broad, smooth road, master of the situation for the time. Alas for a horses revenge! I was caught and paid dearly for my retaliation, and was forced | to become manageable, not to say docile. In due time the blood in my veins began | to show in my speed, and bade adieu to | private life, for I was sold to one of the | princely lovers of good horses, and was | we'll and carefully trained that I might fulfil the expectations of my ambitious owner. I made my first bow to the pub l lie at Fleetwood. Never shall I forget my feelings at that supreme moment. The pride and glory of my race swelled in my | equine breast, and resolved to prove my l calf xzyorfhxy coinr, pf dacpant and aD honor to my lineage. My competitors were famous for speed, but that was only an incentive to my best efforts; so bracine myself with all my courage and the knowledge that I had acquired in my training, when the word was given tc 'tgo!" with keen eye, senses alert an6 every muscle brought into play, I, under the guidance of firm hand, dashed for ward, gained the lead and kept it to tht end. Oh, proud moment I can hear tn, applause of the crowds even now. An memory is sweet.
 For several years I remained at the zen ith of fame; then, alas, reverses came, a I suppose they must come to the most O l us. My speed slackened. I felt it myself before I heard it discussed by friend about me. knew that old age was creep ing upon me. I was aware of the differ ence in the attentions shown me, and thu
 commenced my downfall. A was sold t' gentleman of moderate means, who, ap preciating the fine points of thorough
 bread, and not being able to gratify hi
 taste as he desired, took me as the bes
 available substitute and at price whicl
 was humiliating to my pride in the ex
 treme; however, he was good master
 and to reward him gathered up my re
 maining powers at times and made hi
 heart glad by passing all other teams ol
 the avenue.
 At last the time came when with all o
 my efforts did not make even passabl
 appearance; I was pronounced "olt
 enough to vote;" I limped fearfully ant
 painfully; grew to be but a shadow o
 my former self; my ribs could be easil,
 counted, and, dreadful to contemplate
 the boys on the streets shouted derisivel
 when I imped past them with gait be
 up semblance of my former speed. Thi
 was more than my good master could en
 dure, and in fit of desperation, after on of these mortifying experiences, he actu
 ally gave me away.
 So found myself one day, woe is me
 plodding along in front of vendors wag on, apparently on level with the loy born, drudging animals about me. "Hoy
 are the mighty fallenl"
 AS lie here tonight in my poor she' on few straws my life all comes up be , fore me, from careless liberty to prou,
 fame, then down to the level of the com
 mon herd, horse among horses, and final l ly to circumstances so bitterly galling t my high spirit. My only wish is that, a i, I sleep, may sink into utter oblivion, an ,. never experience the misery and wretchec ness of another weary day.
 l ANNA AUSTIN.