Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor Volume I
dragon of Wantley. For what says the ballad?

   "A friend of mine," said a citizen, "asked me the other evening to go and call on some friends of his who had lost the head of the family the day previous. He had been an honest old man, a laborer with a pick and shovel. While we were with the family an old man entered who had worked by his side for years. Expressing his sorrow at the loss of his friend, and glancing about the room, he observed a large floral anchor. Scrutinizing it closely, he turned to the widow and in a low tone asked, 'Who sent the pick?'"

   While Butler was delivering a speech for the Democrats in Boston during an exciting campaign, one of his hearers cried out, "How about the spoons, Ben?" Benjamin's good eye twinkled merrily as he replied: "Now, don't mention that, please. I was a Republican when I stole those spoons."

   Never spare the parson's wine, nor the baker's pudding.

   A house without woman or firelight is like a body without soul or sprite.

   Kings and bears often worry their keepers.

   Light purse, heavy heart.

   He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.

   Ne'er take a wife till thou hast a house (and a fire) to put her in.

   To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.

   He that drinks fast pays slow.

   He is ill-clothed who is bare of virtue.

   Beware of meat twice boil'd, and an old foe reconcil'd.

   The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.

   He that is rich need not live sparingly, and he that can live sparingly need not be rich.

   He that waits upon fortune is never sure of a dinner.

    Paris


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