They enter all, with hands upraised

And faces filled with wonder—

There stood confessed the deacon's case,

And all were struck with thunder.

The tale flew quickly round, and woke

Much pity and more laughter;

But not a word the deacon spoke

Of his two bulls thereafter.

Listen! listen to my song,

There is meaning in it;

You may know it sha'nt be long—

Only half a minute.

Have you ever read the tale—

Have you heard the story—

How two bulls together fought

On the field of glory?

And how a famous hero

Thought it was so cunning,

How he became a master

Of the art of running?

And how he was so frightened,

In getting up the stairs;

And how he heard the breaking

Of all his china-wares?

And how his heart was swelling

Up like a pot of yeast;

And how he took a rifle,

And fired it at the beast?

And how the parish preacher

Had heard that he was sick,

And losing not a moment,

Did come to see him quick?

And how the rumor flourished,

'Mongst people young and old,

And how they sighed, and how they laughed

To hear the story told?

If you have read, remember

The moral of this book—

Whoever takes the devil's bait,

Is sure to feel the hook.