is no actual incident in history such as that described in this poem, but such an adventure might very easily have taken place during one of the wars in the Netherlands. Three riders set out from the city of Ghent, which is in the country now called Belgium, to carry certain news to the town of Aix, in Rhenish Prussia. This news, if it reaches Aix in time, will save that town. The distance to be covered is over a hundred miles.

The three riders, Joris, Dirck, and the one who tells the story, set off from Ghent at full speed, as the moon is setting. The watch opens the city gate, and they gallop out, and race neck and neck mile after mile. Dawn comes as they ride through the towns of Lokeren and Boom and Düffeld. At Mecheln they hear the clock chime. The sun rises at Aerschot. As they near Hasselt Dirck's horse staggers and falls. The other two race on past Looz and Tongres.

As they reach Dalhem Joris cries, "Aix is in sight!" but his roan drops; and the man on Roland is left alone to carry the message. He throws off his coat, and boots, and belt, and urges Roland on. At last they reach Aix, and the noble horse, the hero of the ride, falls as the people crowd about him. The rider, with Roland's head resting between his knees, pours down his steed's throat the last measure of wine left in Aix. The "good news" had arrived in time to save the city.

by Robert Browning

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