Munafa ebook

Read Ebook: The Story of the Two Bulls by Bolles John R John Rogers

Font size:

Background color:

Text color:

"How is your spouse?" the parson said; "I see he's not at meeting." "This morning, sir," the wife replied, "His heart was strangely beating.

"I hope you'll call and see him soon" "That I shall gladly do." "Ride down with us--the carriage waits; There's room enough for you."

All seated now, with solemn air, And with a placid smile, Such words of truth the parson spoke As might their fears beguile.

Lo! they alight, the gate in sight-- "What's that?" the matron said. Says Peter, "It's the spotted bull, And I believe he's dead."

Thus all, amazed, a moment gazed, And quickly turn about; In doleful plight, the deacon sighs, "Murder will surely out!

"Where shall I go? What shall I do? I'm caught--I am a sinner! My wife, good soul--my wife has brought The parson home to dinner!"

And with a little spice of wit, To which he was inclined, Though none to spare the deacon had, He thus relieved his mind:

"I've often heard the preacher say That good may come of evil; Still every hour, with all our might, We must resist the devil.

"If horn and hoof be any proof, And if the foot be riven, Surely I am the very man That with the beast has striven!"

Now hurried steps without are heard, And earnest voices blend; "I'm in a vice," the deacon groans-- "When will this torture end?"

Young Peter, being first within, For he had run ahead, Loudly exclaims, "Another bull Lies in the parlor, dead!"

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.