Ambrose Bierce

Optimist: a proponent of the doctrine that black is white.

Optimist: a proponent of the doctrine that black is white.

ARSENIC, n. A kind of cosmetic greatly affected by the ladies, whom it greatly affects in turn."Eat arsenic? Yes, all read more

ARSENIC, n. A kind of cosmetic greatly affected by the ladies, whom it greatly affects in turn."Eat arsenic? Yes, all you get," Consenting, he did speak up;"'Tis better you should eat it, pet, Than put it in my teacup." --Joel Huck

Optimism. The doctrine or belief that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly.

Optimism. The doctrine or belief that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly.

A bride is a woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.

A bride is a woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.

HIPPOGRIFF, n. An animal (now extinct) which was half horse and half griffin. The griffin was a compound creature, half read more

HIPPOGRIFF, n. An animal (now extinct) which was half horse and half griffin. The griffin was a compound creature, half lion and half eagle. The hippogriff was, therefore, only one quarter eagle, which is $2.50 in gold. Zoology is full of surprises.