Ambrose Bierce

MISERICORDE, n. A dagger which in mediaeval warfare was used by the foot soldier to remind an unhorsed knight that read more

MISERICORDE, n. A dagger which in mediaeval warfare was used by the foot soldier to remind an unhorsed knight that he was mortal.

Love: A temporary insanity curable by marriage.

Love: A temporary insanity curable by marriage.

PRELATE, n. A church officer having a superior degree of holiness and a fat preferment. One of Heaven's aristocracy. A read more

PRELATE, n. A church officer having a superior degree of holiness and a fat preferment. One of Heaven's aristocracy. A gentleman of God.

Compromise. Such an adjustment of conflicting interests as gives each adversary the satisfaction of thinking he has got what he read more

Compromise. Such an adjustment of conflicting interests as gives each adversary the satisfaction of thinking he has got what he ought not to have, and is deprived of nothing except what was justly his due.

Birth: The first and direst of all disasters.

Birth: The first and direst of all disasters.