Either his gratitude shall hold him fast, Oh barbarous! wouldst thou with a Gothic hand Or turn them into shops and auction rooms? And though I would not advertise them yet, THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN, SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, JOHN GILPIN was a citizen A train-band Captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, To-morrow is our wedding-day, My sister and my sister's child, On horseback after we. He soon replied-I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin-That's well said; We will be furnish'd with our own, Which is both bright and clear. John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife, That though on pleasure she was bent, The morning came, the chaise was brought, To drive up to the door, lest all So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheel, Were never folk 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, 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, "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. |