Quote by Ambrose Bierce

ARSENIC, n. A kind of cosmetic greatly affected by the ladies, whom it greatly affects in turn.Eat arsenic? Yes, all you get, Consenting, he did speak up;'Tis better you should eat it, pet, Than put it in my teacup. --Joel Huck

ARSENIC, n. A kind of cosmetic greatly affected by the ladie

Summary

This humorous quote highlights the absurdity of the cosmetic practices followed by some women in the past. The quote suggests that some women used arsenic, a toxic substance, as a cosmetic. The speaker, presumably a man, sarcastically suggests that it would be preferable for women to consume arsenic directly rather than contaminating his teacup with it. Overall, this quote satirically comments on the extreme lengths to which people would go for the sake of societal beauty standards.

Topics

Cosmetics

By Ambrose Bierce

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