For so he claimed, albeit
When there was war among the beasts,
He always liked to see it.

"How will the bulls together look,
And which will prove the stronger?
'Twere sin to wish the time to pass--
'Twould only make it longer."

Such thoughts as these, on Sabbath morn,
Like birds of evil token,
Flew round and round the deacon's mind--
Its holy peace was broken.

Beyond the hills the steeple rose,
Distant a mile or two.
Our deacon's house and barns and bulls
Were well concealed from view.

"Be ready all, to meeting go;
Perhaps I may not come--
A curious fluttering near my heart
Calls me to stay at home."

As thus he spake, his careful wife
Replied with anxious tone,
"I'll stay with you; 'twere dangerous
To leave you all alone."

"No," answered he--"go, every one;