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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

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

TAKE, v.t. To acquire, frequently by force but preferably by stealth.<br />

TALK, v.t. To commit an indiscretion without temptation, from an<br />

impulse without purpose.<br />

TARIFF, n. A scale of taxes on imports, designed to protect the<br />

domestic producer against the greed of his consumer.<br />

The Enemy of Human Souls<br />

Sat grieving at the cost of coals;<br />

For Hell had been annexed of late,<br />

And was a sovereign Southern State.<br />

"It were no more than right," said he,<br />

"That I should get my fuel free.<br />

The duty, neither just nor wise,<br />

Compels me to economize‐‐<br />

Whereby my broilers, every one,<br />

Are execrably underdone.<br />

What would they have?‐‐although I yearn<br />

To do them nicely to a turn,<br />

I can't afford an honest heat.<br />

This tariff makes even devils cheat!<br />

I'm ruined, and my humble trade<br />

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