Then over all, that he might be Equipp'd from top to toe, He manfully did throw. Upon his nimble steed, With caution and good heed. Beneath his well-shod feet, The sporting beast began to trot, Which gall'd him in his seat. So, fair and softly, John he cried, But John he cried in vain; In spite of curb and rein. Who cannot sit upright, And eke with all his might. Had handled been before, Did wonder more and more. Away went bat and wig; Of running such a rig. Like streamer long and gay, At last it flew away. The bottles he bad slung; As hath been said or sung. Up flew the windows all; K Away went Gilpin—who but he? His fame soon spread around, 'Tis for a thousand pound ! 'Twas wonderful to view, How in a trice the turnpike men Their gates wide open threw. His reeking head full low, Were shatter'd at a blow. Most piteous to be seen, As they had basted been. With leathern girdle braced ; for all might see the bottle-necks Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington These gamboly he did play, Of Edmonton so gay; On both sides of the way, Or a wild goose at play. From the balcony spied To see how he did ride. They all at once did cry; Said Gilpin-So am I! Inclined to tarry there! Full ten miles off, at Ware. 11 so like an arrow swift he flew, Shot by an archer strong ; The middle of my song. And sore against his will, His horse at last stood still. His neighbour in such trim, And thus accosted him : Tell me you must and shall Or why you come at all ? And loved a timely joke; In merry guise he spoke : And, if I well forbode, They are upon the road. His friend in merry pin, But to the house went in; A wig that tlow'd behind, Each comely in its kind. Thus sbew'd his ready wit, They therefore needs must fit. That hangs upon your face ; Be in a hungry case. Said John, It is my wedding-day, And all the world would stare, If wife should dine at Edmonton, And I should dine at Ware. So turning to his horse, he said, I am in haste to dine; 'Twas for your pleasure you came here, You shall go back for mine. For which he paid full dear; Did sing most loud and clear; Had heard a lion roar, As he had done before. Went Gilpin's hat and wig : For why?-they were too big. Her husband posting down Into the country far away, She pull’d out half-a-crown; And thus unto the youth she said That drove them to the Bell, My husband safe and well. John coming back amain : By catching at his rein; And gladly would have done, And made him faster run. Went postboy at his heels, The lumbering of the wheels. Six gentlemen upon the road, Thus seeing Gilpin fly, They raised the hue and cry: Not one of them was mute ; Did join in the pursuit. Flew open in short space; That Gilpin rode a race. For be got first to town; He did again get down. And Gilpin long live he; May I be there to see ! AN EPISTLE Madam, The path of sorrow, and that path alone, Leads to the land where sorrow is unknown; No traveller ever reach'a that bless'd abode, Who found not thorns and briers in his road. The word i may dance along the flowery plain, Cheer'd as they go by niany a sprightly strain; |