i saw my own legs stretch and leap ; i was a white mare , and the ground flew past in a blur of green beneath my hooves , until i stopped and turned , waiting for the one , a broad-chested stallion who came to me , his breath hot and moist against my neck , his white teeth closing on my nape ... `` i am the king of ireland , '' he said , and i came slowly awake , tingling from head to foot , to find that someone was gently stroking the sole of said foot .