SHEWING, HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE

INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN.

Јону

OHN 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,

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

My sister and my fifter'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,
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 Callender

Will lend his horse to go.

Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, That's well said ;

And for that wine is dear, We will be furnish'd with our own,

Which is both bright and clear,

John Gilpin kiss’d his loving wife

O’erjoy'd was he to find
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,

Where they did all get in, Six precious fouls, 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 Cheapfide were mad.

John Gilpin at his horse's fide

Seiz'd fast the flowing mane, And up he got in hafte to ride,

But soon came down again ;

For saddle-tree scarce reach'd had he,

His journey to begin,
When, turning round his head, he faw

Three customers come in.

So down he came ; for loss of time,

Although it griev'd him fore, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew,

Would trouble him much more. Vol. II.

N

"Iwas

'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,

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,

Full