Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By ArloBates

1059 On the Road to Chorrera

THREE horsemen galloped the dusty way

While sun and moon were both in the sky;

An old crone crouched in the cactus’ shade,

And craved an alms as they rode by.

A friendless hag she seemed to be,

But the queen of a bandit crew was she.

One horseman tossed her a scanty dole,

A scoffing couplet the second trolled;

But the third, from his blue eyes frank and free,

No glance vouchsafed the beldam old;

As toward the sunset and the sea,

No evil fearing, rode the three.

A curse she gave for the pittance small,

A gibe for the couplet ’s ribald word;

But that which once had been her heart

At sight of the silent horseman stirred:

And safe through the ambushed band they speed

For the sake of the rider who would not heed!