And the widest of eyes grew wider,

While on towards the porch, like a tempest,

Came sweeping the horse and its rider;

And now from the din of the hoof-beats

A trumpet voice leapt out,

And, tingling to its rafters,

The church was alive with the shout,—

“Burgoyne’s at Ticonderoga:

Would you have the old fort surrender?”

“No, no!” cried the parson; “New Hampshire