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

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

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite
jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne read more

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite
jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me on his back a
thousand times. And now how abhorred in my imagination it is!

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

A jest loses its point when the jester laughs himself.
[Ger., Des Spass verliert Alles, wenn der Spassmacher selber read more

A jest loses its point when the jester laughs himself.
[Ger., Des Spass verliert Alles, wenn der Spassmacher selber
lacht.]

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.