The opening of Introduction
A hope of immortality and a sense of humor distinguish man from the beasts of the field.
A single exception may be made, perhaps, of the Laughing Hyena, and, on the other hand, not every one of the human race possesses the power of laughter. For those who do, this volume is intended.
And since there can be nothing humorous about an introduction, there can be small need of a lengthy one.
Merely a few explanations of conditions which may be censured by captious critics.
First, the limitations of space had to be recognized. Hence, the book is a compilation, not a collection. It is representative, but not exhaustive. My ambition was toward a volume to which everyone could go, with a surety of finding any one of his favorite humorous poems between these covers. But no covers of one book could insure that, so I reluctantly gave up the dream for a reality which I trust will make it possible for a majority of seekers to find their favorites here.