Sweats in the crowded theatre, and, squeezed And bored with elbow-points through both his sides, Outscolds the ranting actor on the stage; Nor his, who patient stands till his feet throb, And his head thumps, to feed upon the breath Fast bound in chains of silence, which the fair, Its fluctuations, and its vast concerns? He climbs, he pants, he grasps them! At his heels, And with a dexterous jerk soon twists him down, Here rills of oily eloquence, in soft Teeth for the toothless, ringlets for the bald, Heaven, earth, and ocean, plundered of their sweets, Nectareous essences, Olympian dews, Sermons, and city feasts, and favorite airs, Ethereal journeys, submarine exploits, And Katterfelto, with his hair on end At his own wonders, wondering for his bread. 'Tis pleasant, through the loopholes of retreat, To peep at such a world; to see the stir Of the great Babel, and not feel the crowd; FROM THE "TIROCINIUM." 239. THE PLAY-PLACE OF EARLY DAYS. Be it a weakness, it deserves some praise, The bench on which we sat while deep employed, Playing our games, and on the very spot; 240. THE Diverting History of John Gilpin. John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band Captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear- To-morrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair Unto the Bell at Edmonton My sister and my sister's child, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride He soon replied - I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore it shall be 'done. I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender Will lend his horse to go. Quoth Mistress Gilpin - That's well said; We will be furnished with our own, Which is both bright and clear. John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The 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, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, The stones did rattle underneath, John Gilpin, at his horse's side, For saddle-tree scarce reached had he, When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. So down he came; for loss of time, 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty, screaming, came down stairs "The wine is left behind!" Good lack! quoth he - yet bring it me, My leathern belt likewise, In which I bear my trusty sword, When I do exercise. Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, Then, over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, Now see him mounted once again Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, But finding soon a smoother road So, Fair and softly, John he cried, So, stooping down, as needs he must Who cannot sit upright, He grasped the mane with both his hands, And eke with all his might. |