His horse, who never in that sort Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, At last it flew away. Then might all people well discern As hath been said or sung. The dogs did bark, the children scream'd, Up flew the windows all; And every soul cried out, Well done! 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 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 braced; For all might see the bottle necks Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington And there he threw the wash about On both sides of the way, Just like unto a trundling mop, Or a wild goose at play. 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 at once did cry; 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. The calender, amazed to see 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 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 Whence straight he came with hat and wig ; A hat not much the worse for wear, He held them up, and in his turn But let me scrape the dirt away That hangs upon your face; 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! Whereat his horse did snort, as he Away went Gilpin, and away |