10

Quoth Mistress Gilpin-"That's well said;
And for that wine is dear,

We will be furnished with our own,
Which is both bright and clear."

5 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,

15 Six precious souls and all agog

20

To dash through thick and thin.

Smack went the whip, round went the wheels;

Were never folks so glad;

The stones did rattle underneath,

As if Cheapside were mad.

John Gilpin at his horse's side
Seized fast the flowing mane;
And up he got, in haste to ride,
But soon came down again;

25 For saddletree scarce reached had he,
His journey to begin,

When, turning round his head, he saw
Three customers come in.

10

So down he came; for loss of time,
Although it grieved him sore,
Yet loss of pence, full well he knew,
Would trouble him much more.

5 '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
When I do exercise."

Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!)
Had two stone bottles found,

15 To hold the liquor that she loved,
And keep it safe and sound.

Each bottle had a curling ear,
Through which the belt he drew,
And hung a bottle on each side
20 To make his balance true.

Then over all, that he might be

Equipped from top to toe,

His long red cloak, well brushed and neat,
He manfully did throw.

25 Now see nim mounted once again

Upon his nimble steed,

Full slowly pacing o'er the stones,
With caution and good heed.

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.

5 Away went Gilpin-who but he? His fame soon spread around; "He carries weight!" "He rides a race!" ""Tis for a thousand pound!"