ELEGY, n. A composition in verse, in which, without employing any of the methods of humor, the writer aims to produce in the reader's mind the dampest kind of dejection.

Conversation, n.: A vocal competition in which the one who is catching his breath is called the listener.

The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog.

RESPITE, n. A suspension of hostilities against a sentenced assassin, to enable the Executive to determine whether the murder may not have been done by the prosecuting attorney. Any break in the continuity of a disagreeable expectation.

Mad, adj. Affected with a high degree of intellectual independence.

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

Perseverance - a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.