BEGGAR, n. One who has relied on the assistance of his friends.
BEHAVIOR, n. Conduct, as determined, not by principle, but by breeding.
The word seems to be somewhat loosely used in Dr. Jamrach Holobom's
translation of the following lines in the Dies Iræ:
Recordare, Jesu pie,
Quod sum causa tuæ viæ
Ne me perdas illa die.
Pray remember, sacred Savior,
Whose the thoughtless hand that gave your
Death-blow. Pardon such behavior.
BELLADONNA, n. In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison.
A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues.
BENEDICTINES, n. An order of monks, otherwise known as black friars.
He thought it a crow, but it turned out to be
A monk of St. Benedict croaking a text.
"Here 's one of an order of cooks," said he--
"Black friars in this world, fried black in the
next."
"The Devil on Earth" (London, 1712).
BENEFACTOR, n. One who makes heavy purchases of ingratitude, without,
however, materially affecting the price, which is still within the means
of all.
BERENICE'S HAIR, n. A constellation (Coma Berenices) named in honor of
one who sacrificed her hair to save her husband.
Her locks an ancient lady gave
Her loving husband's life to save;
And men--they honored so the dame--
Upon some stars bestowed her name.
But to our modern married fair,
Who 'd give their lords to save their hair,
No stellar recognition 's given.
There are not stars enough in heaven.