Smack went the whip, 'round went the wheels, Were never folks so glad; The stones did rattle underneath As if Cheapside were mad. 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 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 When Betty screaming came down stairs,— "Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me, In which I bear my trusty sword Now Mrs. 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, 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, which 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, 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 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 As they had basted been. But still he seemed to carry weight, Thus all through merry Islington And there he threw the wash about 145 150 155 160 165 170 At Edmonton his loving wife 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 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 neighbor in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, "What news? what news? your tidings tell; Tell me you must and shall; Say why bareheaded you are come, Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, |