He that will lose his friend for a jest, deserves to die a beggar
by the bargain.

He that will lose his friend for a jest, deserves to die a beggar
by the bargain.

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

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

And however are Dennises take offence,
A double meaning shows double sense;
And if proverbs tell truth,
read more

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.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

If anything is spoken in jest, it is not fair to turn it to
earnest.
[Lat., Si quid read more

If anything is spoken in jest, it is not fair to turn it to
earnest.
[Lat., Si quid dictum est per jocum,
Non aequum est id te serio praevortier.]

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.

(Andrew:) I am not such an ass but I can keep my hand dry. But
what's your jest?
read more

(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 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.