BRAHMA, n. He who created the Hindoos, who are preserved by Vishnu and destroyed by Siva --a rather neater division of labor than is found among the deities of some other nations. The Abracadabranese, for example, are created by Sin, maintained by Theft and destroyed by Folly. The priests of Brahma, like those of Abracadabranese, are holy and learned men who are never naughty.O Brahma, thou rare old Divinity, First Person of the Hindoo Trinity, You sit there so calm and securely, With feet folded up so demurely -- You're the First Person Singular, surely. --Polydore Smith

CAABA, n. A large stone presented by the archangel Gabriel to the patriarch Abraham, and preserved at Mecca. The patriarch had perhaps asked the archangel for bread.

BOTTLE-NOSED, adj. Having a nose created in the image of its maker.

TORTOISE, n. A creature thoughtfully created to supply occasion for the following lines by the illustrious Ambat Delaso:TO MY PET TORTOISEMy friend, you are not graceful --not at all; Your gait's between a stagger and a sprawl.Nor are you beautiful: your head's a snake's To look at, and I do not doubt it aches.As to your feet, they'd make an angel weep.'Tis true you take them in whene'er you sleep.No, you're not pretty, but you have, I own, A certain firmness --mostly you're [sic] backbone.Firmness and strength (you have a giant's thews) Are virtues that the great know how to use --I wish that they did not; yet, on the whole, You lack --excuse my mentioning it --Soul.So, to be candid, unreserved and true, I'd rather you were I than I were you.Perhaps, however, in a time to be, When Man's extinct, a better world may seeYour progeny in power and control, Due to the genesis and growth of Soul.So I salute you as a reptile grand Predestined to regenerate the land.Father of Possibilities, O deign To accept the homage of a dying reign!In the far region of the unforeknown I dream a tortoise upon every throne.I see an Emperor his head withdraw Into his carapace for fear of Law;A King who carries something else than fat, Howe'er acceptably he carries that;A President not strenuously bent On punishment of audible dissent --Who never shot (it were a vain attack) An armed or unarmed tortoise in the back;Subject and citizens that feel no need To make the March of Mind a wild stampede;All progress slow, contemplative, sedate, And "Take your time" the word, in Church and State.O Tortoise, 'tis a happy, happy dream, My glorious testudinous regime!I wish in Eden you'd brought this about By slouching in and chasing Adam out.

The Medici created and destroyed me.

I'm a little neater now.