Foreword
The rare gift of originality is denied most of us, but a measure of compensation rests in the gift of appreciation which has been so freely bestowed, in some degree at least, upon nearly every one of the human race. As one who enjoys this blessing, the compiler of this little volume has counted it a labor of love, and hence a delight, to gather together during a period of forty years choice bits of humor and quaint verse, for his own amusement and the delectation of an inner circle of friends.
The growth of this collection, together with the care used in selection, seems now to warrant its stepping into a wider field. The same recognition of the finer things of wit and pathos which led to these gleanings will be met in other hearts and the smile of kindred spirits will broaden as this little book makes its new friends. Under the evening lamp, the family circle may have many a hearty laugh together; in the office or train, the tired business man may ease the strain of concentration; in the hospitals, weary convalescents may cheer the hours of waiting; the after-dinner speaker may find here some worth-while “I am reminded” stories; far and wide are scattered the multitudes of those who will welcome the coming of one whose mission it is to “scatter sunshine” along life’s weary way.
The gems contained in these pages have been gathered from theNew York Graphic,Texas Siftings,Ram’s Horn,Life,Paris Figaro,Punch,London Tit Bits,Literary Digest,Ladies Home Journal,Fliegende Blätter, and from daily papers, living and dead. To all of these, due acknowledgment is made and confidence is expressed that one and all will endorse the propaganda for the spread of the gospel of laughter.
All of the foregoing is set down to emphasize the simple truth that I shall regard my labor as well rewarded, if a bit of new joy, a ray of new brightness, may enter the life of some one who needs it today.
Carl J. Mittler.