Joking decides great things,
Stronger and better oft than earnest can.

Joking decides great things,
Stronger and better oft than earnest can.

A joke's a very serious thing.

A joke's a very serious thing.

And however are Dennises take offence,
A double meaning shows double sense;
And if proverbs tell truth,
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And however are Dennises take offence,
A double meaning shows double sense;
And if proverbs tell truth,
A double tooth
Is wisdom's adopted dwelling.

People that make puns are like wanton boys that put coppers on
the railroad tracks.

People that make puns are like wanton boys that put coppers on
the railroad tracks.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Of all the griefs that harass the distress'd,
Sure the most bitter is a scornful jest;
Fate read more

Of all the griefs that harass the distress'd,
Sure the most bitter is a scornful jest;
Fate never wounds more deep the generous heart,
Than when a blockhead's insult points the dart.

A jest's prosperity lies in the ear
Of him that hears it, never in the tongue
Of read more

A jest's prosperity lies in the ear
Of him that hears it, never in the tongue
Of him that makes it.

Less at thine own things laugh; lest in the jest
Thy person share, and the conceit advance,
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Less at thine own things laugh; lest in the jest
Thy person share, and the conceit advance,
Make not thy sport abuses: for the fly
That feeds on dung is colored thereby.

Joking set aside.
[Lat., Omissis jocis.]

Joking set aside.
[Lat., Omissis jocis.]