Carefully winding his left hand in the stallion's mane, he released his nostrils and swung himself on his back.

Taken by surprise Satan tried to rid himself of his burden, but the rider sat firm, leaned far over the steed's neck, stroked--his head again, pressed his flanks and, after the lapse of a few minutes, guided him merely by the pressure of his thighs first at a walk, then at a trot over the track.

At last springing off, he patted Satan, who pranced peacefully beside him, and led him by the bridle to Don Juan.
The latter measured the tall, brave fellow with a hasty glance, and turning, half to him, half to Alexander Farnese, said: "An enviable trick, and admirable performance, by my love!" Then he approached the stallion, stroked and patted his shining neck, and continued: "I thank you, young man.

You have saved my best horse.

But for you I should have stabbed him.