Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, Now see him mounted once again Full slowly pacing o'er the stones Bút, 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 Had handled been before, Away went Gilpin, neck or naught; He little dreamt, when he set out, The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Then might all people well discern 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. Away went Gilpin-who but he? And still, as fast as he drew near, And now, as he went bowing down The bottles twain behind his back 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, With leathern girdle braced; For all might see the bottle-necks Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington And there he threw the wash about On both sides of the way, Just like unto a trundling mop, Or a wild goose at play. At Edmonton, his loving wife From the balcóny spied Her tender husband, wondering much To see how he did ride. "Stop, stop, John Gilpin !-here's the house!" They all at once did cry; "The dinner waits, and we are tired." Said Gilpin, "So am I!" But yet his horse was not a whit Inclined to tarry there; 66 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 neighbour in such trim, And thus accosted him : "What news? what news? your tidings toll: Tell me you must and shall—-Say why bareheaded you are come, Or why you come at all." Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And loved a timely joke; And thus unto the Calender In merry guise he spoke : "I came because your horse would come; My hat and wig will soon be here; The Calender, right glad to find Returned him not a single word, But to the house went in; Whence straight he came with hat and wig; A hat not much the worse for wear, He held them up, and, in his turn, 66 "But let me scrape the dirt away Says John, "It is my wedding-day, So turning to his horse, he said, I am in haste to dine; "Twas for your pleasure you came here, You shall go back for mine." Ah, luckless speech, and bootless boast! |