III

'Stop, neighbours, stop, why these alarms?
The ox is only glad!'
But still they pour from cots and farms— [15]
'Halloo!' the parish is up in arms,
(A hoaxing-hunt has always charms)
'Halloo! the ox is mad.'

[[300]]IV

The frighted beast scamper'd about—
Plunge! through the hedge he drove: [20]
The mob pursue with hideous rout,
A bull-dog fastens on his snout;
'He gores the dog! his tongue hangs out!
He's mad, he's mad, by Jove!'

V

'Stop, neighbours, stop!' aloud did call [25]
A sage of sober hue.
But all at once, on him they fall,
And women squeak and children squall,
'What? would you have him toss us all?
And dam'me, who are you?' [30]

VI

Oh! hapless sage! his ears they stun,
And curse him o'er and o'er!
'You bloody-minded dog! (cries one,)
To slit your windpipe were good fun,
'Od blast you for an impious son[300:1] [35]
Of a Presbyterian wh—re!'

VII

'You'd have him gore the Parish-priest,
And run against the altar!
You fiend!' the sage his warnings ceas'd,
And north and south, and west and east, [40]
Halloo! they follow the poor beast,
Mat, Dick, Tom, Bob and Walter.