LANGUAGES


George Ade, with a fellow American, was traveling in the Orient, and his

companion one day fell into a heated argument with an old Arab. Ade's

friend complained to him afterward that although he had spent years in

studying Arabic in preparation for this trip he could not understand a

word that the native said.



"Never mind," replied Ade consolingly. "You see, the old duffer hasn't a

tooth in his head, and he was only talking gum-Arabic."





Milton was one day asked by a friend whether he would instruct his

daughters in the different languages.



"No, sir," he said; "one tongue is sufficient for any woman."





Prince Bismarck was once pressed by a certain American official to

recommend his son for a diplomatic post. "He is a very remarkable

fellow," said the proud father; "he speaks seven languages."



"Indeed!" said Bismarck, who did not hold a very high opinion of

linguistic acquirements. "What a wonderful headwaiter he would make!"



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