What does "in vain" mean in this context? in MAGENTA [Poe 4-7]

Which rhetorical device is used in this excerpt from "the danger of lying in bed" by mark twain? "if i am going to travel by rail i shan't need it. lying at home in bed is the thing i am afraid of."

As for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why i shouldn't – i think i'll see women handle the ballot. which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten twain’s words? as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame . . a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why i shouldn't . . i think i'll see women handle the ballot. as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer . . i shouldn't – i think i'll see women handle the ballot. as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why i shouldn't . . as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer . . i think i'll see women handle the ballot.

Besides the skull and cross bones what other shape sometimes appeared on flags flown by pirates?