PERORATION, n. The explosion of an oratorical rocket. It dazzles, but to an observer having the wrong kind of nose its most conspicuous peculiarity is the smell of the several kinds of powder used in preparing it.

EMOTION, n. A prostrating disease caused by a determination of the heart to the head. It is sometimes accompanied by a copious discharge of hydrated chloride of sodium from the eyes.

Acquaintance. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.

Eulogy. Praise of a person who has either the advantages of wealth and power, or the consideration to be dead.

EXILE, n. One who serves his country by residing abroad, yet is not an ambassador.

EAT, v.i. To perform successively (and successfully) the functions of mastication, humectation, and deglutition.

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.