'Stay--stay with us!--rest!--thou art weary and worn!'-- And fain was their war-broken soldier to stay;-- But sorrow return'd with the dawning of morn, And the voice in my dreaming ear melted away.
John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band Captain eke was he Of famous London town.
John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen.
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 linendraper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend, the Callender, Will lend his horse to go.
Quoth Mistress Gilpin,--That's well said; 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 souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin.
Smack went the whip, round went the wheels; Were never folks so glad, The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad.
John Gilpin at his horse's side, Seized 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 grieved him sore, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, Would trouble him much more.
'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came downstairs, 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.