The American Joe Miller: A Collection of Yankee Wit and Humor
Philosophy
The American Joe Miller: A Collection of Yankee Wit and Humor
American wit and humor
"How do you do, Mr. Lincoln?" "Well, that reminds me of a story. As
the labourer said to the bricklayer, after falling through the roof
and rafters of an unfinished house, I have gone through a great deal
since you saw me last."
WISE LAWS--BY SAM SLICK.--436.
If a woman was to put a Bramah lock on her heart, a skilful man would
find his way into it, if he wanted to, I know. That contrivance is set
to a particular word; find the letters that compose it, and it opens
at once.
If a man's sensibility is all in his palate, he can't, of course, have
much in his heart.
I tell you what, President, says I, seein' is believin', but it aint
them that stare the most who see the best always.
Thunderin' long words aint wisdom, and stopping a critter's mouth is
more apt to improve his wind than his onderstandin'.
Swapping facts is better than swapping horses any time.
Providence requires three things of us before it will help us--a stout
heart, a strong arm, and a stiff upper lip.
Hope is a pleasant acquaintance, but an unsafe friend. It'll do on
a pinch for a travellin' companion, but he is not the man for your
banker.
"Don't care" won't bear friendship for fruit, and "don't know, I'm
sure," won't ripen it.
What a pity it is marryin' spoils courtin'.
There's no pinnin' up a woman in a corner, unless she wants to be
caught, that's a fact.
Consait grows as nateral as the hair on one's head, but it's longer in
comin' out.
People have no right to make fools of themselves, unless they have no
relations to blush for them.
It 'aint every change that's a reform, that's a fact, and reforms
'aint always improvements.
Blushin' for others is the next thing to taking a kicking from them.
A DOUBLE DIFFICULTY.--437.
An anti-slavery man says what the Southern Confederacy wants is the
capitol, and what they can't get to take it with is the capital.
WITH A QUILL.--438.
A Mr. Hen has started a new paper in Iowa. He says he hopes by hard
scratching to make a living for himself and his little chickens.
DOUBTFUL.--439.
After asking your name in the State of Arkansas, the natives are in
the habit of saying, in a confidential tone, "Well, now, what war yer
name before yer moved to these parts?"
THE LETTER S.--440.
A writer says the Americans will always have more cause to remember
the S than any other letter in the alphabet, because it is the
beginning of secession, and the end of Jeff. Davis.
NONSENSE ABOUT LOVE.--441.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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