Can you restrain your laughter, my friends?

Can you restrain your laughter, my friends?

We listen with deep interest to what we hear, for to man novelty
is ever charming.

We listen with deep interest to what we hear, for to man novelty
is ever charming.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of
the heart the spirit is broken.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of
the heart the spirit is broken.

Punishment follows close on the heels of crime.

Punishment follows close on the heels of crime.

Even to smile at the misfortunes of others is to do an injury.

Even to smile at the misfortunes of others is to do an injury.

It's an ill councell that hath no escape.

It's an ill councell that hath no escape.

The ire of a despotic king
Rides forth upon destruction's wing.

The ire of a despotic king
Rides forth upon destruction's wing.

I hold a wolf by the ears. [I am in a dilemma I have caught a
Tartar.]

I hold a wolf by the ears. [I am in a dilemma I have caught a
Tartar.]

Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale,
Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man,
And read more

Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale,
Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man,
And bitter shame hath spoiled the sweet world's taste,
That it yields nought but shame and bitterness.