SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE IN TENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. John GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown; Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen. To morrow is our wedding day, And we will then repair .Unto the Bell at Edmonton All in a chaise and pair. My sister and my sister's child, Myself and children three, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride On horseback after we. He soon replied, I do admire Of womankind but one, Therefore it shall be done. 1 am a linendraper bold, As all the world doth know, Will lend his horse to go. Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, That's well said ; And for that wine is dear, Which is both bright and clear. John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; O’erjoy'd was he to find She had a frugal mind. . The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd, Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Where they did all get in; 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 Seiz'd fast the flowing mane, But soon came down again; For saddletree scarce reach'd had he, His journey to begin, Three customers come in. So down be came; for loss of time, Although it griev'd him sore, Would trouble him much more. '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, My leathern belt likewise, When I do exercise. Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Had two stone bottles found, And keep it safe and sound. Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, And hung a bottle on each side, To make his balance true. Then over all, that he might be Equipp'd from top to toe, His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, He manfully did throw. Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, VOL. I. 2 D |