Maximus- a shire horse, harnessed to a loaded cart, on a beautiful moonlit night was out with his master to deliver the handmade accessories they usually sold to the aesthete aristocrats.
Master, as usual, had preferred a rather long route, believing that it brought him fortune.
‘Christopher Lane! The lane of fortune!’ The master exclaimed. His voice echoed in the foggy silent street.
‘Do you know Maximus, why do I prefer this lane instead of the other shortcuts?’
‘Because it brings us fortune, Master,’ replied Maximus- the horse.
‘Fortune for us?… For me; Not for you. You have to walk so long.’
‘Walking is my pleasure, Master. My fortune lies in your fortune.’ Maximus replied.
‘Ah, well we can say that, ha-ha,’ Master was slightly smitten with pride.
‘That’s sweet of you, dear Maximus! But today, let me tell you a secret; The real reason why we ride into this lane. Wanna listen to my story?’
‘Of course, Master.’
‘We had been to Sir Philip’s residence for a ball night last month. Do you remember?’
‘Yes, master.’
‘There, at the ball, Sir Philip introduced me to Madam Bones, a heavenly beauty and a great admirer of arts and cultures. We had a chat about paintings, sculptures, architecture and a variety of cuisines around the world. Then I asked her for a dance. Well, she’s amazing at that too! Her movements were so lithe and graceful. She led the dance and I somehow managed to keep up with her pace. What a mesmerizing evening that was! I still remember the scent of her gloves when I kissed her hand while bidding goodbye… We take this route because she lives round the corner and fancies a walk in her garden at this time! Just one sight, O Maximus, just one is enough for a week’s frenzy. She’s a goddess, a moon in the land of the dark… Oh look, she has turned me into a poet!’
‘The change is good, master!’
Master blushed, puffing out smoke from his pipe.
‘But I’m really very sorry, Maximus. You have to take such a long route!’
‘No complaints, master. Pleasure is all mine!’ Said Maximus with a soft neigh.
Master was surprised at his take.
‘And may I know the reason why you do not have any complaints?’
Maximus sighed… then began.
‘We had been to Sir Philip’s residence for a ball night last month. Do you remember, Master?’
‘Of course, that’s what we were talking about just now.’
‘Exactly, Master! Outside the residence, where you left me, stood a beautiful mare with a wonderful
buggy. Her name is Lucy Bones and she too lives round the corner! Just one glance, O master, just one…
That slender neck, those twinkling eyes and the silky, white wagging tail… Oh heaven!
Every night she peeps through her stable, when we pass through this lane. It seems sure, she’ll definitely
bring a poet out of me!’ Maximus shared his side of the story with a long neigh.
A moment passed in silence…
‘Ha-ha-ha! A dark horse you are, Maximus!’ Exclaimed Master, proudly patting his back. ‘Now I know the reason for your pleasure!’
‘He-he-he, didn’t I say it before, my fortune lies in your fortune, Master!
