An Unspeakable Imbecile

by Ambrose Bierce

　　A JUDGE said to a Convicted Assassin:"Prisoner at the bar, have you anything to say why the death- sentence should not be passed upon you?""Will what I say make any difference?" asked the Convicted Assassin."I do not see how it can," the Judge answered, reflectively. "No, it will not.""Then," said the doomed one, "I should just like to remark that you are the most unspeakable old imbecile in seven States and the District of Columbia."