LESSON 46 JOHN GILPIN

JOHN GILPIN

Ⅰ

The Diverting History of John Gilpin, showing how he went farther than he intended and came safe home again.

THE FAMILY DEPARTURE

JOHN Gilpin was a citizen

Of credit and renown,

A train-band ［1］ captain eke ［2］ was he

Of famous London town.

John Gilpin's spouse ［3］ 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 ［4］ 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 linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender ［5］ Will lend his horse to go.

Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said;

And for that wine is dear,

We will be furnished with our own,

Which is both bright and clear."

John Gilpin kissed his loving wife;

O'erjoyed was he to find,

That though on pleasure she was bent,

She had a frugal ［6］ mind.

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,

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 folk so glad;

The stones did rattle underneath,

As if Cheapside ［7］ were mad.

* * *

［1 ］ train-band: A company of volunteer soldiers.

［2 ］ eke: Also, in addition.

［3 ］ spouse: Wife.

［4 ］ the Bell: An inn or hotel of that name.

［5 ］ calender: A man who presses and smoothes cloth.

［6 ］ frugal: Careful, thrifty.

［7 ］ Cheapside: Part of London, once a market-place.