And din'd untax'd, untroubled, under My thoughts no christ'ning dinners cross'd, Oh! trifling head, and fickle heart! And sick of pleasures, scarce enjoy'd! Each prize possess'd, thy transport ceases, T. Warton. THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN; SHOWING HOW HE WENT FURTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. JOHN Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A trainband captain eke was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 'To-morrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair Unto the Bell at Edmonton All in a chaise and pair. 'My sister, and my sister's child, He soon replied, 'I do admire And you are she, my dearest dear, 'I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender Will lend his horse to go.' Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, 'That's well said; We will be furnish'd with our own, John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; That though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd, To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Where they did all get in; 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 saddletree 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 fr T 'Good lack!' quoth he--' yet bring it me, In which I bear my trusty sword, Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Had two stone bottles found, To hold the liquor that she lov'd, And keep it safe and sound. Each bottle had a curling ear, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, Fall 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, Who cannot sit upright, He grasp'd the mane with both his hands, And eke with all his might. VOL. V. EE His horse, who never in that sort Had handled been before, Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Then might all people well discern, The dogs did bark, the children scream'd, As loud as he could bawl. Away went Gilpin--who but he? And still, as fast as he drew near, |