The Devil’s Dictionary by Abrose Bierce

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Duel
n. A formal ceremony preliminary to the reconciliation of two enemies. Great skill is necessary to its satisfactory observance; if awkwardly performed the most unexpected and deplorable consequences sometimes ensue. A long time ago a man lost his life in a duel.
That dueling’s a gentlemanly vice I hold; and wish that it had been my lot To live my life out in some favored spot — Some country where it is considered nice To split a rival like a fish, or slice A husband like a spud, or with a shot Bring down a debtor doubled in a knot And ready to be put upon the ice. Some miscreants there are, whom I do long To shoot, to stab, or some such way reclaim The scurvy rogues to better lives and manners, I seem to see them now — a mighty throng. It looks as if to challenge me they came, Jauntily marching with brass bands and banners!
Xamba Q. Dar
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