Populist, n. A fossil patriot of the early agricultural period, found in the old red soapstone underlying Kansas.
Ambrose Bierce Quotes
Push, n. One of the two things mainly conducive to success, especially in politics. The other is Pull.
Politeness, n. The most acceptable hypocrisy.
Rime, n. Agreeing sounds in the terminals of verse, mostly bad. The verses themselves, as distinguished from prose, mostly dull. Usually (and wickedly) spelled “rhyme.”
Laurel, n. The “laurus”, a vegetable dedicated to Apollo, and formerly defoliated to wreathe the brows of victors and such poets as had influence at court. (“Vide supra.”)
Rimer, n. A poet regarded with indifference or disesteem.
Poetry, n. A form of expression peculiar to the Land beyond the Magazines.
Laureate, adj. Crowned with leaves of the laurel. In England the Poet Laureate is an officer of the sovereign’s court, acting as dancing skeleton at every royal feast and singing-mute at every royal funeral.
Pleasure, n. The least hateful form of dejection.
Debauchee, n. One who has so earnestly pursued pleasure that he has had the misfortune to overtake it.
