The Life of John Gilpin,: Taken from Divers Manuscripts in the Possession of the Family. To which is Added, by Way of Appendix, the Celebrated History of His Journey to Edmonton, as Read by Mr. Henderson, at Free-Mason's-Hall..

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S. Bladon, 1785 - 140 pages
 

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Page 123 - Well done ! 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 pound.
Page 126 - Ah, luckless speech, and bootless boast ! For which he paid full dear; For, while he spake, a braying ass Did sing most loud and clear; Whereat his horse did snort, as he Had heard a lion roar, And galloped off with all his might, As he had done before.
Page 123 - His long red cloak well brush'd and neat He manfully did throw. Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones With caution and good heed. But finding soon a smoother road Beneath his well-shod feet, The snorting beast began to trot, Which gall'd him in his seat. So,
Page 123 - 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 ? Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And loved a timely joke!
Page 124 - A wig that flowed behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, — Each comely in its kind. He held them up, and in his turn Thus showed his ready wit : " My head is twice as big as yours, They therefore needs must fit.
Page 124 - My head is twice as big as yours, They therefore needs must fit. "But let me scrape the dirt away That hangs upon your face; And stop and eat, for well you may Be in a hungry case.
Page 123 - And there he threw the Wash about On both sides of the way, Just like unto a trundling mop, Or a wild goose at play.
Page 126 - Her husband posting down Into the country far away, She pull'd out half-a-crown ; And thus unto the youth she said, That drove them to the Bell, This shall be yours, when you bring back My husband safe and well.
Page 123 - Said Gilpin — So am I ! But yet his horse was not a whit Inclined to tarry there ; For why? — his owner had a house Full ten miles off, at Ware. So like an arrow swift he flew, Shot by an archer strong ; So did he fly — which brings me to The middle of my song.
Page 123 - 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...

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