Away went Gilpin-who but he? And still, as fast as he drew near, How in a trice the turnpike men And now, as he went bowing down Were shattered at a blow. 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 seemed to carry weight, With leathern girdle braced; For all might see the bottle-necks 'Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay, And there he threw the wash about At Edmonton his loving wife 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 For why?-his owner had a house So like an arrow swift he flew, Away went Gilpin out of breath, His horse at last stood still. His neighbour in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, What news? what news? your tidings tell; Say why bare-headed you are come, Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, I came because your horse would come; My hat and wig will soon be here, The calender, right glad to find 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, 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! Did sing most loud and clear; Whereat his horse did snort, Had heard a lion roar, as he And galloped off with all his might Away went Gilpin, and away Now mistress Gilpin, when she saw Into the country far away, She pulled out half a crown; And thus unto the youth she said, That drove them to the Bell, This shall be your's when you bring back My husband safe and well. The youth did ride, and soon did meet John coming back amain! Whom in a trice he tried to stop, By catching at his rein; But not performing what he meant, Away went Gilpin, and away Went post-boy at his heels, The post-boy's horse right glad to miss The lumbering of the wheels. |