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; 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 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, 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 seemed to carry weight, With leathern girdle braced; For all might see the bottle-necks Thus all through merry Islington These gambols he did play, Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay, And there he threw the wash about At Edmonton his loving wife From the balcony spied. Her tender husband, wondering mucli Stop, stop, John Gilpin!-Here's the house They all aloud did cry; The dinner waits, and we are tired: Said Gilpin So am I! But yet his horse was not a whit Inclined to tarry there; 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 His neighbour in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, What news? what news? your tidings tell; Say why bare-headed you are come, 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 wig that flowed behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, Each comely in its kind. He held them up, and in his turn But let me scrape the dirt away, 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 And galloped off with all his might, |