Evening star., 1929-06-26

twiIliam Cowper. l7sl-1soo, was British
Deet. author of many famous verses, of
funniest and most popular)
John Gilpin was citizen Of credit
and renown; train-band captain, too,
was he of famous London town.
John Gilpin's spouse said to her
dear Though welded we have been
these twice ten tedious years, yet we
no holiday have seen. Tomorrow Is our
wedding day, and we will then repair
unto the bell at Edmonton all In a
sisters child, myself, and children
three, win 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 viii lend his horse
70 go.''
Quotn 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:
oyerjoyed 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 allowed to
drive UP to the door. lest all should
say that she was proud. So three doors
on the chaise was stayed, where they
did all get In: six precious souls, and
al 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 II
Cheapside were mad.
John Gilpin at his horses side seized
fast the flowing name, and up he got,
In haste to ride, but soon came down
again. For saddle-tree scarce reached
had he, his journey to begin, when,
turning round his head. he saw three
customers come in. So down he came;
him sore, yet loss of pence, fun we'll he
knew, would trouble him much more.
Twas long before the customers were
suited In their mind, when Betty
screaming came downstairs--"The wine
Is left behindi"
Good lackl' quoth he-"yet bring
It me, my leather belt likewise, In which
I bear my trusty sword when do
exercise"
Now Mistress Gilpin careful soulD
had two stone bottles found, to hold
the liquor that she loved and keep it
safe and sound. Each bottle had q
curling ear, through which the belt he
drew, and hung bottle on each side, to
make his balance true. Then, over all,
that he might be equipped from top
TO toe, his long red cloak, well brushed
and neat, he manfully did throw.
Now see him mounted once again
upon his nimble steed, full slowly pac-
ing DER the stones with caution and
good heedI But, finding soon q
smoother road, beneath his well shod
feet, the snorting beast began to trot,
which CALLED him in his seat.
So, Fair and softly" John he cried,
but John he cried in vain. That trot
became a gallop soon, In spite Of curb
and rein.
30. STOPPING down. as needs he must,
who cannot sit upright, he grasped the
niane with both his hands, and too with
all his might His horse, who never I'm
that sort had been handled before.
what things upon his back had got did
wonder more and more.
Away went Gilpin, neck or naught.
Away went hat and wigl He little
dreamed when he set out of running
such rig! The wind did blow, the
cloak did ny, like streamer long and
gay, till, loop and button failing both,
at last it few away Then might all
eling-a bottle swinging at each side,
rs hath been said or sung.
The dogs did bark, the children
screamed, up few the windows all
and every soul cried out, We'll doneI''
--as loud as he could bawl
Away went Gilpin-who but he? His
fame soon spread around-he carries
weight He rides a race! 'Tis for a
thousand poundl
And still, as fast as he drew near,
twas wonderful to view how in trice
the turnpike men their gates wide open
threw. And now, as he went bowling
down his reeking head fun low, the
bottles twain behind his back were
shattered at blow. Down ran the
wine into the road. most piteous to be
seen. which made his horses fianks to
smoke as they had basted been.
But still he seemed to carry weight
with leathern girdle braced, for all
might see the bottle-necks, stifl dam
Cling at his waist. Thus all through
merry Islington these gambols he did
play, and till he came unto the Wash
of Edmonton SO gay. And there he
threw the Wash about on both sides OF
the way. just like a trllndling mop, OF
wild goose at play.
At Edmonton his loving wife from the
balcony spied her tender husband. won-