PATRIOT, n. One to whom the interests of a part seem superior to those of the whole. The dupe of statesmen and the tool of conquerors.

DIAGNOSIS, n. A physician's forecast of disease by the patient's pulse and purse.

Good-bye -- if you hear of my being stood up against a stone wall and shot to rags please know that I think that a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease or falling down the cellar stairs.

Duck-bill, n. Your account at your restaurant during the canvas-back season.

REASON, v.i. To weight probabilities in the scales of desire.

MERCY, n. An attribute beloved of detected offenders.

To seek a justification for a decision already made.