To-morrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair My sister, and my sister's child, He soon replied, I do admire I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, that's well said, John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; O'erjoy'd was he to find, That though on pieasure 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 Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, The stones did rattle underneath, John Gilpin at his horse's side For saddle-tree scarce reach'd had he, When turning round his head, he saw 4 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, My leathern belt likewise, In which I bear my trusty sword, When I do exercise. Now mistress Gilpin, (careful soul !) Had two stone bottles found, 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 Equipp'd from top to toe, 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 What thing upon his back had got 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 ev'ry 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 smoke As they had basted been. But still he seem'd to carry weight, With leathern girdle brac'd; For all might see the bottle-necks Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington These merry gambols he did play, Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay; And there he threw the wash about At Edmonton his loving wife From the balcony spied Her tender husband, wond'ring much To see how he did ride. A Stop, stop, John Gilpin-Here's the house They all at once did cry; The dinner waits, and we are tir'd; Said Gilpin-So am I! The calender, amaz'd 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 bareheaded you are come, Or why you come at all? T |