The gambling known as business looks with austere disfavor upon the business known as gambling. A virtuous widow is the most loyal of mortals; she is faithful to that which is neither pleased nor profited by her fidelity. Of one who was "foolish" the creators of our language said that he was "fond." That we have not definitely reversed the meanings of the words should be set down to the credit of our courtesy. Rioting gains its end by the power of numbers. To a believer in the wisdom and goodness of majorities it is not permitted to denounce a successful mob. Artistically set to grace The wall of a dissecting-place, A human pericardium Was fastened with a bit of gum, While, simply underrunning it, The one word, "Charity," was writ To show the student band that hovered About it what it once had covered. Virtue is not necessary to a good reputation, but a good reputation is helpful to virtue. When lost in a forest go always down hill. When lost in a philosophy or doctrine go up-ward. We submit to the majority because we have to. But we are not compelled to call our attitude of subjection a posture of respect. Pascal says that an inch added to the length of Cleopatra's nose would have changed the fortunes of the world. But having said this, he has said nothing, for all the forces of nature and all the power of dynasties could not have added an inch to the length of Cleopatra's nose. Our luxuries are always masquerading as necessaries. Woman is the only necessary having the boldness and address to compel recognition as a luxury. "I am the seat of the affections," said the heart. "Thank you," said the judgment, "you save my face." "Who art thou that weepest?" "Man." "Nay, thou art Egotism. I am the Scheme of the Universe. Study me and learn that nothing matters." "Then how does it happen that I weep?" A slight is less easily forgiven than an injury, because it implies something of contempt, indifference, an overlooking of our importance; whereas an injury presupposes some degree of consideration. "The blackguards!" said a traveler whom Sicilian brigands had released without ransom; "did they think me a person of no consequence?" The people's plaudits are unheard in hell. Generosity to a fallen foe is a virtue that takes no chances. If there was a world before this we must all have died impenitent. We are what we laugh at. The stupid person is a poor joke, the clever, a good one. If every man who resents being called a rogue resented being one this would be a world of wrath. Force and charm are important elements of character, but it counts for little to be stronger than honey and sweeter than a lion. Grief and discomfiture are coals that cool: Why keep them glowing with thy sighs, poor fool? A popular author is one who writes what the people think. Genius invites them to think something else.