[WILLIAM COWPER]
THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN
SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME HOME SAFE AGAIN
John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A trainband captain eke[1] was he Of famous London town.
John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear,5 "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 repair10 Unto the Bell at Edmonton[2] All in a chaise and pair.
"My sister, and my sister's child, Myself, and children three, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride15 On horseback after we.[3]"
He soon replied, "I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore it shall be done.20