Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Had two stone bottles found, To hold the liquor that she loved, Each bottle had a curling ear, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, He manfully did throw. 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, That trot became a gallop soon, So stooping down, as needs he must Who cannot sit upright, He grasped the mane with both his hands, And eke with all his might. His horse who never in that sort Had handled been before, Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Then might all people well discern A bottle swinging at each side, As hath been said or sung. The dogs did bark, the children screamed, Up flew the windows all; And every 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, 'Twas wonderful to view How in a trice the turnpike men Down ran the wine into the road, Which made his horse's flanks to smoke As they had basted been. But still he seemed to carry weight, Thus all through merry Islington Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay, And there he threw the wash about On both sides of the way, Just like unto a trundling mop, Or a wild goose at play. 7 At Edmonton his loving wife From the balcony spied Her tender husband, wondering much To see how he did ride. Stop, stop, John Gilpin !-Here's the house They all aloud did cry ; The dinner waits, and we are tired: Said Gilpin-So am I ! But yet his horse was not a whit Inclined to tarry there; For why?-his owner had a house So like an arrow swift he flew, Away went Gilpin out of breath, The calender, amazed to see His neighbour in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, And thus accosted him :. What news? what news? your tidings tell; Tell me you must and shall Say why bare-headed you are come, Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And loved a timely joke! And thus unto the calender In merry guise he spoke : I came because your horse would come; My hat and wig will soon be here, The calender, right glad to find But to the house went in; Whence straight he came with hat and wig; A wig that flowed behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, Each comely in its kind. He held them up, and in his turn But let me scrape the dirt away, |