Zeal

noun

A certain nervous disorder afflicting the young and inexperienced. A passion that goeth before a sprawl.

    When Zeal sought Gratitude for his reward
    He went away exclaiming: "O my Lord!"
    "What do you want?" the Lord asked, bending down.
    "An ointment for my cracked and bleeding crown."

Jum Coople


—Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary