Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.

Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food.

Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food.

Wit is educated insolence.

Wit is educated insolence.

Great wits and valours, like great states,
Do sometimes sink with their own weights.

Great wits and valours, like great states,
Do sometimes sink with their own weights.

Ev'n wit's a burthen, when it talks too long.

Ev'n wit's a burthen, when it talks too long.

Wit, now and then, struck smartly, shows a spark.

Wit, now and then, struck smartly, shows a spark.

This man [Chesterfield] I thought had been a lord among wits; but
I find he is only a wit read more

This man [Chesterfield] I thought had been a lord among wits; but
I find he is only a wit among lords.

Wit is the only wall between us and the dark.

Wit is the only wall between us and the dark.