But now, her wealth and finery fled, The doctors found, when she was dead- Let us lament, in sorrow sore, For Kent Street well may say, That had she lived a twelvemonth more She had not died to-day. Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774] THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, "To-morrow is our wedding-day, "My sister, and my sister's child, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride He soon replied, "I do admire Of womankind but one, 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." Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; And for that wine is dear, We will be furnished with our own, Which is both bright and clear." John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find, That though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. ! 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, 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 For saddle-tree scarce reached had he, 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, '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, 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 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, With caution and good heed. But finding soon a smoother road So, "Fair and softly," John he cried, But John he cried in vain; That trot become a gallop soon, 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 naught; 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? "He carries weight!" "He rides a race!" "Tis for a thousand pound!" 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 Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington 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." |