The calender, amaz❜d to see His neighbour in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, What news? what news? your tidings tell; Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, I came because your horse would come; My hat and wig will soon be here, They are upon the road. The calender, right glad to find But to the house went in; Whence straight he came with hat and wig: A wig that flow'd behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, Each comely in its kind. He held them up, and in his turn My head is twice as big as yours, VOL. I. But let me scrape the dirt away, Said John it is my wedding-day, So turning to his horse, he said, "Twas for your pleasure you came here, You shall go back for mine. Ah luckless speech, and bootless boast! Whereat his horse did snort, as he And gallopp'd off with all his might, Away went Gilpin, and away Went Gilpin's hat and wig: Now mistress Gilpin, when she saw Into the country far away, She pull'd out half a crown; And thus unto the youth she said, That drove them to the Bell, This shall be yours, when you bring back My husband safe and well. The youth did ride and soon did meet John coming back amain; But not performing what he meant, Away went Gilpin, and away Went postboy at his heels, The postboy's horse right glad to miss Six gentlemen upon the road, With postboy scamp'ring in the rear, Stop thief! stop thief!-a highwayman! Did join in the pursuit. And now the turnpike gates again Flew open in short space; That Gilpin rode a race. And so he did, and won it too, For he got first to town; Nor stopp'd till where he had got up He did again get down. Now let us sing, long live the king, And Gilpin long live he; And, when he next doth ride abroad, May I be there to see! AN EPISTLE. ΤΟ AN AFFLICTED PROTESTANT LADY IN FRANCE. Madam, A STRANGER'S purpose in these lays The path of sorrow, and that path alone, But he, who knew what human hearts would prove, |