He soon replied," I do admire And you are she, my dearest dear; "I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know ; And my good friend the calender Will lend his horse to go." Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; We will be furnish'd with our own, John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; O'erjoy'd was he to find, That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd To drive up to the door, lest all So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folk so glad; The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side For saddletree scarce reach'd had he, When, turning round his head, he saw So down he came; for loss of time, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came down stairs, 66 The wine is left behind!" "Good lack!" quoth he―" yet bring it me, In which I bear my trusty sword, Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) To hold the liquor that she lov'd, Each bottle had a curling ear, And hung a bottle on each side, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, But finding soon a smoother road So, "Fair and softly," John he cried, M So stooping down, as needs he must He grasp'd the mane with both his hands, His horse, who never in that sort Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Like streamer long and gay, Till, loop and button failing both, At last it flew away. Then might all people well discern A bottle swinging at each side, The dogs did bark, the children scream'd, Up flew the windows all; And ev'ry soul cried out, "Well done!" As loud as he could bawl. Away went Gilpin-who but he? His fame soon spread around: "He carries weight! he rides a race! "Tis for a thousand pound!" And still, as fast as he drew near, How in a trice the turnpike-men And now, as he went bowing down Down ran the wine into the road, Most piteous to be seen, Which made his horse's flanks to smoke As they had basted been. But still he seem'd to carry weight, With leathern girdle brac❜d; Thus all through merry Islington Of Edmonton so gay. |