LESSON XXXIV. The same, continued. Now see him mounted, once again, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones But finding, soon, a smoother road "So! fair and softly!" John he cried, In spite of curb and rein. So, stooping down, as need he must He grasped the mane with both his hands, His horse, who never in that sort What thing upon his back had got Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; He little dreamed, when he set out, The wind did blow, the cloak did fly Then might all people well discern The dogs did bark, the children screamed, Up flew the windows all, And every soul cried out, "Well done!" As loud as he could bawl. Away went Gilpin- who but he! And still, as fast as he drew near, "Twas wonderful to view, How in a trice the turnpike men Their gates wide open threw. And now, as he went bowing down The bottles twain, behind his back, Were shattered at a blow. Down ran the wine into the road, Which made his horse's flanks to smoke As they had basted been. But still he seemed to carry weight, Thus all through merry Islington And there he threw the Wash about At Edmonton, his loving wife, Her tender husband, wondering much To see how he did ride. "Stop, stop, John Gilpin! here's the house," They all at once did cry; "The dinner waits, and we are tired:" Said Gilpin, "So am I." But yet his horse was not a whit For why?his owner had a house, So, like an arrow, swift he flew, LESSON XXXV The same, concluded. AWAY went Gilpin, out of breath, The calender, amazed to see His neighbor in such trim, Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, And thus accosted him: - "What news? what news? your tidings tell; Tell me you must and shall Or why you come at all?" Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, In merry guise he spoke : "I came because your horse would come; My hat and wig will soon be here - The calender, right glad to find But to the house went in. Whence straight he came with hat and wig A wig that flowed behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, He held them up, and, in his turn, |