Like streamer long and gay,
Till people thought, and JOHN half feared,
That it might fly away.

Then might all gazers well discern
The bottles he had slung;
A bottle swinging at each side,
As hath been said or sung.

Away went GILPIN--who but he?
His fame soon spread around;
"He carries weight! He rides a race!"
"He'll win it, we'll be bound!"

* * * * *

Then all through merry London Town,
These gambols he did play;
Until he came to rural parts,
Where rustics lined the way.

There labourers shouted, women screamed,
Up flew the felt-hats all;
And every yokel yelled, "Well done!"
As loud as he could bawl.

* * * * *

Away went GILPIN, out of breath,
And fearing much a "spill;"