optimism, n. The doctrine, or belief, that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, everything good, especially the bad, and everything right that is wrong. It is held with greatest tenacity by those most accustomed to the mischance of falling into adversity, and is most acceptably expounded with disproof - an intellectual disorder, yielding to no treatment but death. It is hereditary, but fortunately not contagious.

Barometer, n.: An ingenious instrument which indicates what kind of weather we are having.

An aged Burgundy runs with a beardless Port. I cherish the fancy that Port speaks sentences of wisdom, Burgundy sings the inspired Ode.

To renounce an honor for an advantage. To renounce an advantage for a greater advantage.

One who, professing virtues that he does not respect, secures the advantage of seeming to be what he despises.

ORTHODOX, n. An ox wearing the popular religious joke.

A single swallow, it is said, devours ten millions of insects every year. The supplying of these insects I take to be a signal instance of the Creator's bounty in providing for the lives of His creatures.