And there was a great noise made with the blow, bang and thump instruments; and the dogs wept with a thankful joy for all the wondrous liberties which these things demonstrated unto them; and the salaried barkers went amongst them and gathered up their joyful tears, and poured them at the sacred roots of the Sacred Tree, and said a sacred grace over the pouring; and the fleas gathered around and snivelled with them, and made a right beautiful talk about “Our Common Liberties,” “Our National Glory,” “Our United Interests,” “Our Great Wealth,” and our everything else; and then the great Flag of the Free was run up on high, and a herald came forth and blew a trumpet, and proclaimed that if any dog knew of any just cause or impediment why all this gallant show and emblemism should not be considered proof irrefragable that they were the fairest, fattest, and freest lot of dogs and fleas that ever God Almighty’s sun shone on, or ever would shine on, he should now declare the same, or forever hold his peace; but, nevertheless, if any such measly and discreditable dog dare get up and deny it, he would instantly be strung up to the highest gallows as a traitor.
So no one accepting the challenge, the ceremonies proceeded and Chancy Mountebank Dephool Flea—with a solemn wink to the other Bamboozlers, who solemnly winked back to him—in the name of E Pluribus Unum, and countless thousands of free, united, fat, prosperous and happy dogs, pulled the mighty tongue of the Bell; and as the mighty tone of the hammered metal rose upon the trembling air, and went up in a majestic volume to Heaven, all the Bamboozlers and the Monstrous Fleas closed their eyes and turned their noses heavenward, and wept great copious tears of gratitude and joy; all the salaried barkers closed their eyes and turned their noses to heaven and wept likewise, and all the dogs prostrated themselves and wept with joy until all the earth around was wet. At which moment of solemn joy a Heavenly Voice from under the Bell pealed forth:
It rings—the mighty Bell of God,
It thrills the heart beneath the sod,
And spirits of our patriot sires
Kindle again the sacred fires.
Hallelujah!
It rings—and angels from the heights,
Salute the Flag of Canine rights;
The Seraphs rush on radiant wing,