The meteor flag of England, Shall yet terrific burn; Till danger's troubled night depart, When the storm has ceased to blow: Thos. Campbell. *58* JOHN GILPIN. John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 66 Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we "To-morrow is our wedding-day, All in a chaise and pair. "My sister and my sister's child, He soon replied, "I do admire Of woman kind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, “I am a linen-draper bold, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, “That's well said; John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; That, though on pleasure she was bent, The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allowed To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. 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, As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin, at his horse's side, For saddle-tree scarce reached had he When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. 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 Now mistress 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 Upon his nimble steed, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, But finding soon a smoother road |