He scolds and gives the lie. Belinda and her bird! 'tis rare To meet with such a well-matched pair, And both in unison. grace and art, When children first begin to spell, We think them tedious creatures; When birds are to be taught to prate, THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN; SHOWING HOW HE WENT FURTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 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 I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, That's well said; 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, Six precious souls, and all agog Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, John Gilpin at his horse's side For saddle-tree scarce reached had he, When, turning round his head, he saw So down he came; for loss of time, 'Twas long before the customers 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 Equipped from top to toe, His long red cloak, well brushed 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 grasped 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, Like streamer long and gay, Till, loop and button failing both, Then might all people well discern The dogs did bark, the children screamed, 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, 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 seemed to carry weight, With leathern girdle braced; Thus all through merry Islington |