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.

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

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

(Andrew:) I am not such an ass but I can keep my hand dry. But
what's your jest?
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(Andrew:) I am not such an ass but I can keep my hand dry. But
what's your jest?
(Maria:) A dry jest, sir.
(Andrew:) Are you full of them?
(Maria:) Ay, sir, I have them at my fingers' ends. Marry, now I
let go your hand, I am barren.

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.

A jester, a bad character.
[Fr., Diseur de bon mots, mauvais caractere.]

A jester, a bad character.
[Fr., Diseur de bon mots, mauvais caractere.]

A man who could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a
pocket.

A man who could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a
pocket.

Jest not with the two-edged sword of God's word.

Jest not with the two-edged sword of God's word.

A joke's a very serious thing.

A joke's a very serious thing.

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.