John Gilpin at his horse's side And up he got, in haste to ride — For saddletree scarce reached had he, When, turning round his head, he saw So down he came for loss of time, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind; When, Betty, screaming, came down stairs "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!) To hold the liquor that she loved, Each bottle had a curling ear, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, 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, In spite of curb and rein. So stooping down, as needs he must He grasped the mane with both his hands, His horse, who never in that sort 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, At last it flew away. Then might all people well discern As hath been said or sung. The dogs did bark, the children screamed, Up flew the windows all ; 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, 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; For all might see the bottle necks Thus all through merry Islington Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay; And there he threw the wash about 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!" - |