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could be crossed with the cat it would improve man,
but it would deteriorate the cat.

A good many of his maxims were used in
Pudd'nhead Wilson, then in course of publica-
tion.

An occasional compliment is necessary, to keep up one's
self-respect. The plan of the newspaper is good and wise:
When you cannot get a compliment in any other way pay
yourself one.

As shy as a newspaper when referring to its own merits.
Familiarity breeds contempt—and children.

Like the mendicant who passes the hat for gratuitous
literary contribution and yet would be ashamed to be
caught passing it for coppers.

A man should not be without morals; it is better to
have bad morals than none at all.

God pours out love upon all with a lavish hand—but
he reserves vengeance for his very own.

There are those who scoff at the schoolboy, calling him
frivolous and shallow. Yet it was a schoolboy who said:
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so."

When in doubt, tell the truth.

Some of his maxims required a good deal of
reconstruction, but this last one—perhaps the
greatest he ever uttered, appears to have under-
gone no change.

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