American fiction -- 19th century; American poetry -- 19th century; American wit and humor; Short stories, American
This new book has the decided merit of being non-sensational. In these
days of erratic and ultra-imaginative literature of the modern morbid
self-analytical school it is a relief to peruse a book with so little
straining after effect, so well balanced, and so pure in sentiment. It
is a book that a man can place in the hands of the most innocent
member of his family with the utmost confidence. Its material is
healthy, and its literary style excellent, as it adheres to the
methods used with such thrilling effect by Mr. Webster in his famous
dictionary, viz: alphabetical arrangement.
We venture to assert that no one can carefully and conscientiously
read this little volume without being a better man, or lady, as
circumstances over which they have no control may indicate.
A Conditional Pardon
The runaway couple had just returned, and she knelt at the old man's
feet and begged forgiveness.
"Yes, forgive us," cried the newly wedded husband. "Forgive me for
taking her away from you, but see, I have brought her back."
"Yes," said the old man, his voice trembling with emotion, "you have
brought her back. You have brought her back. Bat that is not all, lad;
you have brought her back, but you have also brought the part of her
that eats provisions. I will forgive you for fifty dollars per month,
lights and washing extra."
* * * * *
It is but justice to the Pension Bureau at Washington to state that
they have not yet granted the pension claimed by a man who was wounded
in the late unpleasantness by the accidental discharge of his duty.
* * * * *
A careful inquiry has revealed the fact that Samson was the first man
who rushed the growler.
Better blow your own horn than one you haven't paid for.
If your rye offend you, buy a better quality.
Inconsistency
Call a pretty girl a witch
And she'll do her best to charm you.
Tell an old maid she's a witch,
And she certainly will harm you.
Thus you see how hard it is to please them all.
Call a pretty maiden "Puss,"
And she'll archly smile upon you.
Call an ancient one a "cat,"
She will grab an axe and run you.
The same name will not fit them all, at all.
If you call your girl a "mouse,"
She will think it cute and pretty.
If unto an aged spinster
You say "rats," you have our pity.
Thus you see you need not try to please them all.
* * * * *
"In a lighthouse by the sea" is what the opera company sang to a
forty-dollar audience in Galveston.
* * * * *
"Yes," said the tramp as he accepted the dime and made for the lunch
counter, "I always hollers when I'm hit and I always hits a man when
I'm holler."
Bill Nye
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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