Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 March 1909 — When Father Rode the Goat. [ARTICLE]

When Father Rode the Goat.

The house is full of arnica And mystery profound; We do not dare to run about Or make the slightest sound; We leave the big piano shut, And do not strike a note. The doctor’s been here re' en times Since father rode the goat, He joined the lodge a week ago— Got in at 4 a. m. And sixteen brethren brought him home, Though he says he brought them, His wrist was sprained, and one big . rip Had rent his Sunday coat — There must have been a livley time When father rode the goat. He’s resting on the couch today, And practicing his signs— The hailing signal, working grip And other monkey shines; He mutters pass words *n«ath his , breath, And other things he’ll quote They surely had an evening’s work When father rode the goat. He has a gorgeous uniform, All gold and red knd blue; A hat with plumes and yellow braid, And golden badges too. But somewhow when we mention it He wears a look so grim We wonder if he rode the goat Or if the goat rode him. —Contributed.