22. XXII.
LAUGHING.
It never haz been proved, that enny ov the animal
kreation hav attempted tew laff, (we are quite certain
that none hav succeded;) thus this deliteful episode
and pleasant power appears tew be entirely within
the province ov humans. It iz the language ov
infancy—the eloquense ov childhood,—and the
power tew laff is the power to be happy. It is becoming
tew awl ages and conditions; and (with
the very few exceptions, sakred tew sorrow) an
honest, hearty laff iz always agreeable and in order.
It iz an index ov karakter, and betrays sooner than
words.—Laffing keeps oph sickness, and haz conquered
az menny diseases az ever pills have, and at
mutch less expense.—It makes flesh, and keeps it in
its place.—It drives away weariness and brings a
dream ov sweetness tew the sleeper.—It never iz
covetous.—It ackompanys charity, and iz the hand-maid
ov honesty.—It disarms revenge, humbles
pride, and iz the talisman ov kontentment.—Sum
have kalled it a weakness—a substitute for thought,
but really it strengthens wit, and adorns wisdum,
invigorates the mind, gives language ease, and
expreshun elegance.—It holds the mirror up tew
beauty; it strengthens modesty, and makes virtue
heavenly. It iz the light ov life; without it we
should be but animated ghosts. It challenges fear,
hides sorrow, weakens despair, and carries haff ov
poverty's bundles.—It costs nothing, comes at the
call, and leaves a brite spot behind.—It iz the only
index ov gladness, and the only buty that time
kannot effase.—It never grows old; it reaches from
the cradle clear tew the grave. Without it, love
would be no pashun, and fruition would show no
joy.—It iz the fust and the last sunshine that visits
the heart; it was the warm welkum ov Eden's
lovers, and was the only capital that sin left them
tew begin bizzness with outside the Garden ov Pardise.
