The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? Ay, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod! 35 They have left unstained what there they found, 40 JOHN GILPIN WILLIAM COWPER WILLIAM COWPER (1731-1800) occupies a distinguished position among the poets of the last century. He was educated for the law, but almost at the beginning of his career his mind gave way and he became insane. Though he recovered from the first attack he was subject to spells of deep melancholy, alternating with periods of mental calm and even cheerful humor. His best-known works are 'John Gilpin,' 'The Task,' 'The Castaway,' a collection of hymns known as the 'Olney Hymns,' written while the poet was in retirement at Olney, and his letters, which are probably the best in the annals of English literature. His last years were years of great wretchedness, and he died insane at the century's close. JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band Captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 5 'To-morrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair Unto the Bell° at Edmonton, All in a chaise and pair. 'My sister and my sister's child, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride He soon replied, 'I do admire And you are she, my dearest dear, 'I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend, the Calender° Will lend his horse to go.' 20 155 ΤΟ 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 souls, 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 Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin, at his horse's side, Seiz'd fast the flowing mane, And up he got, in haste to ride, But soon came down again, 35 40 45 For saddletree scarce reach'd had he, 50 When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. So down he came; for loss of time, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, 55 Would trouble him much more. '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, 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 loved, 60 65 Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, 70 And hung a bottle on each side, To make his balance true. Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, With caution and good heed. But finding soon a smoother road So, 'Fair and softly!' John he cried, 85 But John he cried in vain; That trot became a gallop soon, In spite of curb and rein. 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 Had handled been before, 90 What thing upon his back had got Did wonder more and more. Away went Gilpin neck or naught, The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, C 95 100 |