So like an arrow swift he flew, Shot by an archer strong; So did he fly-which brings me to The middle of my fong. Away went Gilpin, out of breath, Till at his friend the Callender's The Callender, amaz'd to fee His neighbour in fuch trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, And thus accofted him: What news! what news! your tidings tell, Tell me you must and shall— Say why bare-headed you are come, Or why you come at all? VOL. II, A a Now Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And lov'd a timely joke; And thus unto the Callender In merry guife he spoke : I came because your horfe would come; My hat and wig will foon be here, They are upon the road. The Callender, right glad to find Return'd him not a single word, Whence strait he came with hat and wig, A wig that flow'd behind, A hat not much the worfe for wear, Each comely in its kind. He He held them up, and, in his turn, Thus fhow'd his ready wit My head is twice as big as yours, But let me scrape the dirt away Said John, It is my wedding-day, If wife should dine at Edmonton So turning to his horse, he said, I am in hafte to dine; 'Twas for your pleasure you came here, You fhall go back for mine. Ah luckless speech, and bootlefs boast! For which he paid full dear; For while he fpake, a braying afs Did fing moft loud and clear; Whereat his horfe did fnort as he Had heard a lion roar, And gallop'd off with all his might, Away went Gilpin, and away Now, Miftrefs Gilpin, when fhe faw Her husband pofting down Into the country far away, She pull'd out half a crown; F And thus unto the youth she said That drove them to the Bell, This fhall be your's when you bring back My husband safe and well. The youth did ride, and foon did meet John coming back amain, Whom in a trice he tried to ftop By catching at his rein; But not performing what he meant, The frighted steed he frighted more, Away went Gilpin, and away Went post-boy at his heels, The post-boy's horse right glad to miss The lumb'ring of the wheels. |