The next best thing to being witty one's self, is to be able to quote another's wit.

The next best thing to being witty one's self, is to be able to quote another's wit.

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.

Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor; for a subject which will not bear raillery is read more

Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor; for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit.

Great wits are sure to madness near allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds divide.

Great wits are sure to madness near allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds divide.

With little wit and ease to suit them,
They whirl in narrow circling trails,
Like kittens playing read more

With little wit and ease to suit them,
They whirl in narrow circling trails,
Like kittens playing with their tails.
[Ger., Mit wenig Witz und viel Behagen
Dreht jeder sich im engen Zirkeltanz
Wie junge Katzen mit dem Schwanz.]

What silly people wits are!
[Lat., Que les gens d'esprit sont betes.]

What silly people wits are!
[Lat., Que les gens d'esprit sont betes.]

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

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

Wit, like money, bears an extra value when rung down immediately
it is wanted. Men pay severely who require read more

Wit, like money, bears an extra value when rung down immediately
it is wanted. Men pay severely who require credit.

Don't put too fine a point to your wit for fear it should get
blunted.

Don't put too fine a point to your wit for fear it should get
blunted.