JOHN GILPIN was a patriot

Of credit and renown;

A Grand Old Leader eke was he,

Of famous London town.

JOHN's Liberal Lady said, "Oh, dear!

Out in the cold we've been

These seven tedious years, and have

No chance of Office seen.

"To-morrow is Election Day,

And we may then repair

Our Party-split a little bit,—

That is—if you take care!

"Our Sisters, and the Labour lot,

Need soothing, you'll agree;

If we can all together ride,

I think we'll have a spree."

He soon replied, "I do admire

Of Liberal Dames but one,

And you are she, my dearest dear;

Therefore it shall be done!

"I am a Programme-rider bold,

As all the world doth know,

And my good friend the Party 'Whip'

Will teach me how to go."

Quoth the good dame, "Liquor we'll want,

The 'Union Tap' is queer;

We'll furnished be with our own 'Blend,'

Scotch-Irish bright and clear."

JOHN GILPIN kissed his partner shrewd;

O'erjoyed was he to find

That, though on conquest she was bent,

She had a prudent mind.

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,

And keep it safe and sound.

Each bottle had a curling ear,

Through which the belt he drew,

And hung a bottle at each side,

To keep his balance true.

Then, over all, that he might be

Equipped from top to toe,

His long green cloak, well-brushed and neat,

He manfully did throw.

Now see him mounted once again

Upon his docile steed,

Full slowly pacing o'er the stones,

With caution and good heed.

It might have been a smoother road,

Nor was it nice to meet

First off, a Pig, who GILPIN bold

With stubborn grunt did greet.

So fair and softly! JOHNY cried,

But—