The meteor flag of England, Shall yet terrific burn; Till danger's troubled night depart, When the storm has ceased to blow: * 58* Thos. Campbell. JOHN GILPIN. John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we "To-morrow is our wedding-day, "My sister and my sister's child, He soon replied, “I do admire Of woman kind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, "I am a linen-draper bold, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; That, though on pleasure she was bent, 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, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folk so glad; The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad. 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 Were suited to their mind, 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, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, 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 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 But still he seemed to carry weight, Thus all through merry Islington And there he threw the Wash about At Edmonton his loving wife From the balcony espied Her tender husband, wondering much To see how he did ride. "Stop, stop, John Gilpin !-Here's the house " They all aloud did cry; "The dinner waits, and we are tired;" Said Gilpin, "So am I !" |