You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty.

You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

I am a fool, I know it; and yet, Heaven help me, I'm poor enough
to be a wit.

I am a fool, I know it; and yet, Heaven help me, I'm poor enough
to be a wit.

Wit is educated insolence.

Wit is educated insolence.

Wit is a sword; it is meant to make people feel the point as well as see it.

Wit is a sword; it is meant to make people feel the point as well as see it.