Ambrose Bierce

FINANCE, n. The art or science of managing revenues and resources for the best advantage of the manager. The pronunciation read more

FINANCE, n. The art or science of managing revenues and resources for the best advantage of the manager. The pronunciation of this word with the i long and the accent on the first syllable is one of America's most precious discoveries and possessions.

FIDELITY, n. A virtue peculiar to those who are about to be betrayed.

FIDELITY, n. A virtue peculiar to those who are about to be betrayed.

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.

Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them read more

Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others.

... the instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his read more

... the instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.