Good lack! quoth he-yet bring it me, My leathern belt likewise, In which I bear my trusty sword, Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul !) 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, 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, 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 nought; He little dreamt, when he set out, 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 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 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. 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! But yet his horse was not a whit Inclin'd to tarry there; For why?-his owner had a house So like an arrow swift he flew, So did he fly-which brings me to Away went Gilpin out of breath, 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? Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And lov'd a timely joke! And thus unto the calender 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; ; |