Smack went the whip, 'round went the wheels, Were never folks so glad; The stones did rattle underneath As if Cheapside were mad. 80 85 90 95 100 105 Now see him mounted once again, 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, which never in that sort What thing upon his back had got Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; He little dreamed when he set out The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Then might all people well discern, A bottle swinging at each side, The dogs did bark, the children screamed, 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, Which made his horse's flanks to smoke As they had basted been. But still he seemed to carry weight, Thus all through merry Islington Of Edmonton so gay; And there he threw the wash about 145 150 155 160 165 170 At Edmonton his loving wife Her tender husband, wondering much To see how he did ride. "Stop, stop, John Gilpin! Here's the house!" "The dinner waits and we are tired." But yet his horse was not a whit 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 His neighbor in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, "What news? what news? your tidings tell; Tell me you must and shall; Say why bareheaded you are come, Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, In merry guise, he spoke: |