Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, The stones did rattle underneath 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, 'Twas long before the customers 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 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 Equipped from top to toe, His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, He manfully did throw. 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, So stooping down, as needs he must He grasped the mane with both his hands, His horse, who never in that sort Had handled been before, 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, Then might all people well discern The dogs did bark, the children screamed, Up flew the windows all; And every soul cried out, Well done! 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 Still dangling at his waist. 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 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--- Said Gilpin-So am I ! But yet his horse was not a wit For why?-his owner had a house So like an arrow swift he flew, Away went Gilpin out of breath, The calender, amazed to see Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, And thus accosted him: What news? what news? your tidings. tell; Tell me you must and shall 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 When straight he came with hat and wig ; 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, |