John Gilpin

the long version

"A humorous ballad by William Cowper; its full title is *The Diverting History of John Gilpin, Showing How He Went Further Than He Intended and Came Safe Home Again*. Gilpin, a successful London linen draper, goes on an excursion to Edmonton with his wife and family. Unfortunately, he elects to ride instead of joining them in the chaise, and the horse bolts with him all the way to Ware, in Hertfordshire, and then back to its stable in London. The ballad was immensely popular, and there are many illustrated editions." - - Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia, Fourth Edition