Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

The natural equipment to accomplish some small part of the meaner ambitions distinguishing able men from dead ones. In the last analysis ability is commonly found to consist mainly in a high degree of solemnity.

Aborigines, n.: Persons of little worth found cumbering the soil of a newly discovered country. They soon cease to cumber; they fertilize.

Meekness: Uncommon patience in planning a revenge that is worth while.

KING, n. A male person commonly known in America as a "crowned head," although he never wears a crown and has usually no head to speak of.

HERMIT, n. A person whose vices and follies are not sociable.

DAY, n. A period of twenty-four hours, mostly misspent. This period is divided into two parts, the day proper and the night, or day improper - the former devoted to sins of business, the latter consecrated to the other sort.