EXCEPTION

n : A thing which takes the liberty to differ from other things of its cla , as an honest man, a truthful woman, etc. “The exception proves the rule” is an expre ion constantly upon the lips of the ignorant, who parrot it from one another with never a thought of its absurdity. In the Latin, “Exceptio prob at regulam” means that the exception tests the rule, puts it to the proof, not confirms it. The malefactor who drew the meaning from this excellent dictum and substituted a contrary one of his own exerted an evil power which appears to be immortal. Exce , n. In morals, an indulgence that enforces by appropriate penalties the law of moderation. Hail, high Exce —especially in wine. To thee in worship do I bend the knee Who preach abstemiousne unto me— My skull thy pulpit, as my paunch thy shrine. Precept on precept, aye, and line on line, Could ne’er persuade so sweetly to agree With reason as thy touch, exact and free, Upon my forehead and along my spine. At thy command eschewing pleasure’s cup, With the hot grape I warm no more my wit; When on thy stool of penitence I sit I’m quite converted, for I can’t get up. Ungrateful he who afterward would falter To make new sacrifices at thine altar! 95