He soon replied, "I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore it shall be done. "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, We will be furnished with our own, John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; 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, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. 35 40 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 So down he came; for loss of time Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, Would trouble him much more. 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came down stairs, 66 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!) Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, Now see him mounted once again Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, 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 stocping 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, Till, loop and button failing both, At last it flew away. 100 Then might all people well discern 105 The bottles he had slung; A bottle swinging at each side, As hath been said or sung. The dogs did bark, the children screamed, 110 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!" 115 And still, as fast as he drew near, 'Twas wonderful to view, How in a trice the turnpike men Their gates wide open threw. 120 And now, as he went bowing down The bottles twain behind his back Were shattered at a blow. 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° 125 130 Until he came unto the Wash° 135 Of Edmonton so gay; |