Smack went the whip, round went the wheels; Were never folks so glad, The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad.
John Gilpin at his horse’s side, Seized fast the flowing mane, And up he got in haste to ride, But soon came down again.
For saddle-tree scarce reach’d had he, His journey to begin, 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, Would trouble him much more.
’Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came downstairs, The wine is left behind.
Good lack! quoth he, yet bring it me, My leathern belt likewise In which I bear my trusty sword When I do exercise.
Now Mistress Gilpin, careful soul, Had two stone bottles found, To hold the liquor that she loved, And keep it safe and sound.
Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, And hung a bottle on each side To make his balance true.
Then over all, that he might be Equipp’d from top to toe, 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.