Quote by: Ambrose Bierce

When he had ended, the holy hermit was a moment silent, then said: "My son, I have attended to thy story and I know the maiden. I have myself seen her, as have many. Know, then, that she is capricious for she imposeth conditions that man cannot fulfill, and delinquency is punished by desertion. She cometh only when unsought, and will not be questioned. One manifestation of curiosity, one sign of doubt, one expression of misgiving, and she is away!


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Author Bio


  • NameAmbrose Bierce
  • DescriptionAmerican editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist
  • AliasesDod Grile; William Herman
  • BornJune 24, 1842
  • DiedDecember 26, 1913
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionWriter; Journalist; Aphorist; Poet
  • WorksAn Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge; The Damned Thing; The Devil's Dictionary