"I am a linendraper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender[4] Will lend his horse to go."
Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said;25 And for that wine is dear, We will be furnished with our own, Which is both bright and clear."
John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find,30 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 all35 Should say that she was proud.
So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Where they did all get in; Six precious souls, and all agog[5] To dash through thick and thin.40
Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folks so glad, The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside[6] were mad.
John Gilpin at his horse's side45 Seized fast the flowing mane, And up he got, in haste to ride, But soon came down again;
For saddletree[7] scarce reach'd had he His journey to begin,50 When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in.
So down he came; for loss of time, Although it grieved him sore, Yet loss of pence, full well he knew,55 Would trouble him much more.
'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came down stairs, "The wine is left behind!"60