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.

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

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

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.]

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

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

(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.

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.

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.

No time to break jests when the heartstrings are about to be
broken.

No time to break jests when the heartstrings are about to be
broken.

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.