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

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

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.]

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.

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 joke's a very serious thing.

A joke's a very serious thing.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

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

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

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.