John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear,

Though wedded we have been
These twice ten tedious years, yet we
No holiday have seen.

24

To-morrow

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,

Myself and children three,
Will fill the chaise, so you must ride

On horseback after we.

He soon replied, I do admire

Of womankind but one,
And you are she, my dearest dear,

Therefore it shall be done.

I am a linen-draper bold,

As all the world doth know, And my good friend the Callender

Will lend his horse to go.

Quoth

Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, That's well faid ;

And for that wine is dear,
We will be furnish'd with our own,

Which is both bright and clear,

John Gilpin kiss’d his loving wife;

O’erjoy'd was he to find
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 fouls, and all agog

To dash through thick and thin.

Smack

Smack went the whip, round went the wheels,

Were never folk so glad,
The ftones did rattle underneath

As if Cheapfide were mad.

Jahn Gilpin at his horse's side

Seiz'd fast the flowing mane, And up he got in haste to ride,

But soon came down again ;

For saddle-tree scarce reach'd had he,

His journey to begin,
When, turning round his head, he saw

Three customers come in.

So down he came ; for loss of time,

Although it griev'd him fore,
Yet lofs of pence, full well he knew,

'Twas long before the customers

Were suited to their mind,
When Betty screaming came down stairs,

66 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.

Now Mistress Gilpin, careful soul!
Had two stone bottles found,
To hold the liquor that she lov’d,

And keep it safe and found.

Each bottle had a curling ear,

Through which the belt he drew, And hung a bottle on each side,

To make his balance true.

Then