5 10 HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN Whence straight he came with hat and wig, A wig that flow'd behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, He held them up, and in his turn "But let me scrape the dirt away That hangs upon your face; Be in a hungry case." Said 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! For, while he spake, a braying ass Did sing most loud and clear; 21 10 5 15 20 Whereat his horse did snort, as he And gallop'd off with all his might, Away went Gilpin, and away He lost them sooner than at first, Now Mistress Gilpin, when she saw Into the country far away, And thus unto the youth she said, "This shall be yours, when you bring back My husband safe and well." The youth did ride, and soon did meet John coming back amain; Whom in a trice he tried to stop, By catching at his rein; But not performing what he meant, HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN 23 Away went Gilpin, and away Went postboy at his heels, The postboy's horse right glad to miss Six gentlemen upon the road, With postboy scampering in the rear, "Stop thief! stop thief! - a highwayman!" Not one of them was mute; And all and each that passed that way Did join in the pursuit. And now the turnpike gates again That Gilpin rode a race. And so he did, and won it too, Nor stopp'd till where he had got up Now let us sing, "Long live the king, And when he next doth ride abroad, 5 10 15 20 ROBERT BURNS SCOTLAND, 1759-1796 Bannockburn Robert Bruce's Address to his Army Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled, Scots, wham Bruce has aften led, Now's the day, and now's the hour; See approach proud Edward's power - Wha will be a traitor knave? Wha sae base as be a slave? Let him turn and flee! Wha for Scotland's king and law By oppression's woes and pains! But they shall be free! My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; The hills of the Highlands forever I love. Farewell to the mountains high covered with snow; 5 10 15 20 |