And thus unto the youth fhe faid That drove them to the Bell, This fhall be yours when you bring back My husband fafe and well. The youth did ride, and foon did meet John coming back amain, Whom in a trice he tried to ftop By catching at his rein. But not performing what he meant, The frighted fteed he frighted more, Away went Gilpin, and away Went poft-boy at his heels, The post-boy's horfe right glad to miss The lumb'ring of the wheels. Six Gentlemen upon the road With post-boy fcamp'ring in the rear, Stop thief, ftop thief-a highwayman! Not one of them was mute, And all and each that pass'd 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. And fo he did and won it too, For he got first to town, Nor stopp'd 'till where he had got up He did again get down. Now let us fing, Long live the king, And Gilpin long live he, And when he next doth ride abroad, May I be there to fee! |