Bride: A woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.

History is an account, mostly false, of events, mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers, mostly knaves, and soldiers, mostly fools.

The slightest acquaintance with history shows that powerful republics are the most warlike and unscrupulous of nations.

Present, n. That part of eternity dividing the domain of disappointment from the realm of hope.

Religion. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.