Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, He manfully did throw. Now see him mounted once again 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 Who cannot sit upright, He grasp'd the mane with both his hands, And eke with all his might. His horse, who never in that sort Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, 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! As loud as he could bawl. Away went Gilpin-who but her 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 Of Edmonton so gay; 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 From the balcony spied 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; 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, The calender, amazed to see His neighbour in such trim, 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, 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 |