But soon articulates aloud, Much to the amusement of the crowd, And stuns the neighbours round. V. A querulous old woman's voice VI. Belinda and her bird! 'tis rare To meet with such a well matched pair, The language and the tone, Each character in every part Sustained with so much grace and art, And both in unison. VII. When children first begin to spell, We think them tedious creatures; But difficulties soon abate, When birds are to be taught to prate, And women are the teachers. THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN; SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, To-morrow is our wedding day, Unto the Bell at Edmonton My sister, and my sister's child, 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, 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 furnished with our own, John Gilpin kissed 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 allowed To drive up to the door, lest all 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 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 When I do exercise. Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Had two stone bottles found, To hold the liquor that she loved, And keep it safe and sound. Each bottle had a curling ear, And hung a bottle on each side, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, He manfully did throw. 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,· |