In the morning I walk with one or other of the ladies, and in the evening wind thread.

Thus did Hercules, and thus probably did Samson, and thus do I; and were both those heroes living, I should not fear to challenge them to a trial of skill in that business, or doubt to beat them both." It was perhaps while he was winding thread that Lady Austen told him the story of John Gilpin.

He lay awake at night laughing over it, and next morning produced the ballad.

It soon became famous, and was recited by Henderson, a popular actor, on the stage, though, as its gentility was doubtful, its author withheld his name.

He afterwards fancied that this wonderful piece of humour had been written in a mood of the deepest depression.