The Devil's Dictionary: Berenice's Hair

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
by Ambrose Bierce
BENEFACTOR
BIGAMY

BERENICE'S HAIR

-n.

A constellation (Coma Berenices) named in honor of one who sacrificed her hair to save her husband.

Her locks an ancient lady gave
Her loving husband's life to save;
And men — they honored so the dame —
Upon some stars bestowed her name.
But to our modern married fair,
Who'd give their lords to save their hair,
No stellar recognition's given.
There are not stars enough in heaven.

-G.J.

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