192

SELECT POETRY

Tne morning came, the chaise was brought,
But yet was not allowed

To drive up to the door, lest all
Should say that she was proud.

So three doors off the chaise was stayed,
Where they did all get in;

Six precious souls, and all agog!
To dash through thick and thin

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 reached 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 down stairs,—
* The wine is left behind !”

1 Agog—in a state ofdesire.