10 Quoth Mistress Gilpin "That's well said; We will be furnished with our own, 5 John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; That, though on pleasure she was bent, The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allowed To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stayed, 15 Six precious souls and all agog 20 To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels; Were never folks so glad; The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side 25 For saddletree scarce reached had he, When, turning round his head, he saw 10 So down he came; for loss of time, 5 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came downstairs, "The wine is left behind!" "Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me, In which I bear my trusty sword Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) 15 To hold the liquor that she loved, Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, And hung a bottle on each side 20 To make his balance true. Then over all, that he might be Equipped from top to toe, His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, 25 Now see nim mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, 10 The dogs did bark, the children screamed; And every soul cried out, "Well done!" As loud as he could bawl. 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 15 The bottles twain behind his back 20 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, 25 Thus all through merry Islington, These gambols he did play, Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay; |