They were resting after their labors , while the yule log burned down ; but the mother 's words reminded Belinda of one good friend who had received no gift that night . `` We 've forgotten Rosa ! Her mistress is away , but she shall have a present nevertheless . Late as it is , she will like some apples and cake and a Merry Christmas from the family . '' Belinda jumped up as she spoke , and , having collected such remnants of the feast as a horse would relish , she put on her hood , lighted a lantern , and trotted off to the barn . As she opened the door of the loose box in which Rosa was kept , she saw her eyes shining in the dark as she lifted her head with a startled air . Then , recognizing a friend , she rose and came rustling through the straw to greet her late visitor . She was evidently much pleased with the attention , and rubbed her nose against Miss Belinda gratefully , but seemed rather dainty , and poked over the contents of the basket , as if a little suspicious , though apples were her favorite treat . Knowing that she would enjoy the little feast more if she had company while she ate it , for Rosa was a very social beast , Miss Belinda hung up the lantern , and , sitting down on an inverted bucket , watched her as she munched contentedly . `` Now really , '' said Miss Belinda , when telling her story afterwards , `` I am not sure whether I took a nap and dreamed what follows , or whether it actually happened , for strange things do occur at Christmas time , as every one knows . `` As I sat there the town clock struck twelve , and the sound reminded me of the legend which affirms that all dumb animals are endowed with speech for one hour after midnight on Christmas eve , in memory of the animals about the manger when the blessed Child was born . '' ' I wish the pretty fancy was a fact , and our Rosa could speak , if only for an hour , because I am sure she has an interesting history , and I long to know it . ' `` I said this aloud , and to my utter amazement the bay mare stopped eating , fixed her intelligent eyes upon my face , and answered in a language I understood perfectly well , -- '' ` You shall know it , for whether the legend is true or not I feel as if I could confide in you and tell you all I feel . I was lying awake listening to the fun in the house , thinking of my dear mistress over the sea and feeling very sad , for I heard you say I was to be sold . That nearly broke my heart , for no one has ever been so kind to me as Miss Merry , and nowhere shall I be taken care of , nursed , and loved as I have been since she bought me . I know I am getting old , and stiff in the knees , and my forefoot is lame , and sometimes I 'm cross when my shoulder aches ; but I do try to be a patient , grateful beast . I 've got fat with good living , my work is not hard , I dearly love to carry those who have done so much for me , and I 'll tug for them till I die in harness , if they will only keep me . ' `` I was so astonished at this address that I tumbled off the pail , and sat among the straw staring up at Rosa , as dumb as if I had lost the power she had gained . She seemed to enjoy my surprise , and added to it by letting me hear a genuine horse laugh , hearty , shrill , and clear , as she shook her pretty head , and went on talking rapidly in the language which I now perceived to be a mixture of English and the peculiar dialect of the horse-country Gulliver visited . '' ` Thank you for remembering me to-night , and in return for the goodies you bring I 'll tell my story as fast as I can , for I have often longed to recount the trials and triumphs of my life .
Miss XXXXX came last Christmas eve to bring me sugar , and I wanted to speak , but it was too early and I could not say a word , though my heart was full . '
Belinda Gulliver Merry Rosa eve forefoot hour manger night yule