THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN; SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. JOHN Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band Captain eke was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear- To-morrow is our wedding-day My sister and my sister's child, On horseback after we. He soon replied-I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore it shall be done. I am a linen draper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender Quoth Mrs. Gilpin-that's well said; John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; 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 Should say that she was proud. 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 saddle-tree scarce reach'd had he, When turning round his head, he saw So down he came; for loss of time, 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came down stairs"The wine is left behind !". Good lack! quoth he-yet bring it me, When I do exercise. Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul) Each bottle had a curling ear, Then, over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, Now see him mounted once again Full slowly, pacing o'er the stones But, finding soon a smoother road So, fair and softly, John he cried, 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 naught; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly Like streamer long and gay, Till loop and button failing both, Then might all people well discern, The dogs did bark, the children scream'd, Up flew the windows all; And every soul cried out-Well done! Away went Gilpin-who but he? And still, as fast as he drew near, 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 smoak |