19.08.2013 Views

THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY Ambrose Bierce - Sunny Hills High School

THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY Ambrose Bierce - Sunny Hills High School

THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY Ambrose Bierce - Sunny Hills High School

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

<strong>Ambrose</strong> <strong>Bierce</strong> The Devil’s Dictionary<br />

enforce an optional obedience. In a republic, the foundation of<br />

public order is the ever lessening habit of submission inherited from<br />

ancestors who, being truly governed, submitted because they had to.<br />

There are as many kinds of republics as there are graduations between<br />

the despotism whence they came and the anarchy whither they lead.<br />

REQUIEM, n. A mass for the dead which the minor poets assure us the<br />

winds sing o'er the graves of their favorites. Sometimes, by way of<br />

providing a varied entertainment, they sing a dirge.<br />

RESIDENT, adj. Unable to leave.<br />

RESIGN, v.t. To renounce an honor for an advantage. To renounce an<br />

advantage for a greater advantage.<br />

'Twas rumored Leonard Wood had signed<br />

A true renunciation<br />

Of title, rank and every kind<br />

Of military station‐‐<br />

Each honorable station.<br />

By his example fired‐‐inclined<br />

To noble emulation,<br />

The country humbly was resigned<br />

Page | 290

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!