Old Song
LXXV
JOHN GILPIN
John Gilpin was a citizen
Of credit and renown,
A train-band captain eke was he
Of famous London Town.
John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear,
'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 repair
Unto the Bell at Edmonton,
All in a chaise and pair.
'My sister and my sister's child,
Myself, and children three,
Will fill the chaise; so you must ride
On horseback after we.'
He soon replied, 'I do admire
Of womankind but one,
And you are she, my dearest dear,
Therefore it shall be done.
'I am a linen-draper bold,
As all the world doth know,
And my good friend, the Calender,
Will lend his horse to go.'
Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, 'That's well said;
And for that wine is dear,
We will be furnish'd with our own,
Which is both bright and clear.'