But yet his horse was not a whit For why? his owner had a house So like an arrow swift he flew, Away went Gilpin, out of breath, The Calender, 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- Or why you come at all?" Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, 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, The Calender, right glad to find Whence straight he came, with hat and wig, A hat not much the worse for wear, He held them up, and in his turn They therefore needs must fit. "But let me scrape the dust away, That hangs upon your face; And stop and eat, for well you may Said John, "It is my wedding-day, 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." Ah, luckless speech, and bootless boast! Whereat his horse did snort, as he And galloped off with all his might, Away went Gilpin, and away Now Mrs. Gilpin, when she saw She pulled out half-a-crown ; And thus unto the youth she said, "This shall be yours, when you bring back My husband safe and well." The youth did ride, and soon did meet But not performing what he meant, Away went Gilpin, and away The postboy's horse right glad to miss The rumbling of the wheels. Six gentlemen upon the road Thus seeing Gilpin fly, With postboy scampering in the rear, They rais'd a hue and cry Stop thief!-stop thief! - a highwayman!" Not one of them was mute; And all and each that passed that way Did join in the pursuit. And now the turnpike gates again Flew open in short space; The toll-men thinking as before That Gilpin rode a race. 66 And so he did, and won it too, For he got first to town; Nor stopped till where he had got up Now let us sing, Long live the king, And Gilpin, long live he; And, when he next doth ride abroad, May I be there to see. COWPER. XLII THE CATARACT OF LODORE. HOW DOES THE WATER COME DOWN AT LODORE?" Here it comes sparkling And there it lies darkling: Its tumult and wrath in It hastens along, conflicting, strong, Now striking and raging As if a war waging Its caverns and rocks among. Rising and leaping Sinking and creeping Swelling and flinging Showering and springing Eddying and whisking Spouting and frisking Twining and twisting. |