* * * * *

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
Queer customers come in.

So down he came; for loss of time,
Although it grieved him sore,
Yet loss of Votes, full well he knew,
Would trouble him much more.

'Twas long, ere these queer customers
Were suited to their mind,
When SCHNADDY, shouting, came down stairs,
"The tipple's left behind!"

"Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me,
My leathern belt likewise,
In which I bear my trusty blade
When foes I 'pulverise.'"

His Liberal Lady (careful soul!)
Had two big bottles found,
To hold the liquor that she loved,