Poetry · Chapter
The Three Horses explained
The narrator dreams of three different horses and their riders, each representing a different approach to life and righteousness: a black horse for knightly combat against evil, a dapple-gray horse for preaching justice, and a snow-white ma
What happens
The narrator dreams of three different horses and their riders, each representing a different approach to life and righteousness: a black horse for knightly combat against evil, a dapple-gray horse for preaching justice, and a snow-white mare for bearing a message of holy mirth and the birth of a child. Ultimately, the narrator humbly acknowledges his own inadequacy and offers himself as a servant to Jesus.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Grace
The narrator's final turn from self-reliance to humility and service to Jesus highlights the theme of redemption through grace.
Love as Ultimate Strength
The message of 'holy mirth' and the birth of a child emphasizes love as the driving force for transformation and renewal.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Addressed directly at the end of the chapter as the one whose message the narrator feels unworthy to bear, and to whom he offers himself as a thrall.
- Unknown
The speaker who dreams of riding the three horses and ultimately humbles himself before Jesus.
Key passages
“For to us a child, a child is born, Unto us a son is given!”
A child has been born to us, a son has been given to us.
This echoes the biblical prophecy of the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the theme of redemption.
“Let me wash the hoofs, let me be the thrall, Jesus, of thy white steed!”
Allow me to wash the hooves and be your servant, Jesus, of your white horse.
The narrator humbly offers himself as a servant to Jesus, acknowledging his own unworthiness.