John R. Bolles

“ Breathless, the poor man flew,
And lo! the bull is at his heels
And in the parlor too.
A flight of stairs is all that's left
Between him and despair;
He springs to gain the top, and falls,
A sober deacon, there. ”

“ 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? ”

“ 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!" ”