COWPER. 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, 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 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; John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; That, though on pleasure she was bent, The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd To drive up to the door, lest all So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Six precious souls, and all agog 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 reach'd had he, When, turning round his head, he saw So down he came; for loss of time, "Twas long before the customers When Betty, screaming, came down stairs, 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!) Had two stone bottles found, To hold the liquor that she loved, And keep it safe and sound. |