diff --git a/src/pray.c b/src/pray.c
index 900c57692..f843ddd9e 100644
--- a/src/pray.c
+++ b/src/pray.c
@@ -1908,7 +1908,9 @@ dosacrifice(void)
         value = -1;
         HAggravate_monster |= FROMOUTSIDE;
     } else if (!value) {
-        ; /* too old; don't give undead or unicorn bonus or penalty */
+        /* too old; don't give undead or unicorn bonus or penalty */
+        pline1(nothing_happens);
+        return ECMD_TIME;
     } else if (is_undead(ptr)) { /* Not demons--no demon corpses */
         /* most undead that leave a corpse yield 'human' (or other race)
            corpse so won't get here; the exception is wraith; give the
@@ -1954,11 +1956,6 @@ dosacrifice(void)
         }
     }
 
-    if (value == 0) {
-        pline1(nothing_happens);
-        return ECMD_TIME;
-    }
-
     if (altaralign != u.ualign.type && highaltar) {
         desecrate_altar(highaltar, altaralign);
     } else if (value < 0) { /* don't think the gods are gonna like this... */