The Callender, amazed to see His neighbour 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— Say, why bareheaded you are come, Or why you come at all?
Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And loved a timely joke, And thus unto the Callender In merry guise he spoke—
I came because your horse would come; And if I well forbode, My hat and wig will soon be here, They are upon the road.
The Callender, right glad to find His friend in merry pin, Return’d him not a single word, But to the house went in.
Whence straight he came with hat and wig, A wig that flow’d behind, A hat not much the worse for wear, Each comely in its kind.
He held them up, and in his turn Thus show’d his ready wit, 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.
Said John—It is my wedding-day, And all the world would stare, If wife should dine at Edmonton And I should dine at Ware.
So, turning to his horse, he said, I am in haste to dine, ’Twas for your pleasure you came here, You shall go back for mine.