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 college joke to cure the dumps.

A college joke to cure the dumps.

(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.

A joke's a very serious thing.

A joke's a very serious thing.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

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

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

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

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

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.

A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp
sting behind it.
[Lat., Aspere read more

A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp
sting behind it.
[Lat., Aspere facetiae, ubi nimis ex vero traxere,
Acram sui memoriam relinquunt.]