We grant, although he had much wit,
H' was very shy of using it,
As being loth read more

We grant, although he had much wit,
H' was very shy of using it,
As being loth to wear it out,
And therefore bore it not about;
Unless on holy days or so,
As men their best apparel do.

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

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

Wit's an unruly engine, wildly striking
Sometimes a friend, sometimes the engineer:
Hast thou the knack? pamper read more

Wit's an unruly engine, wildly striking
Sometimes a friend, sometimes the engineer:
Hast thou the knack? pamper it not with liking;
But if thou want it, buy it not too deare
Many affecting wit beyond their power,
Have got to be a deare fool for an houre.

People who can't be witty exert themselves to be devout and affectionate.

People who can't be witty exert themselves to be devout and affectionate.

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

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

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

Wit is the epitaph of an emotion

Wit is the epitaph of an emotion

Aristotle said , , , melancholy men of all others are most witty.

Aristotle said , , , melancholy men of all others are most witty.