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.

Wit will shine
Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line.

Wit will shine
Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line.

Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinctions. No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any read more

Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinctions. No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any stand against good wit.

An ounce of wit is worth a pound of sorrow.

An ounce of wit is worth a pound of sorrow.

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.

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.

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.]

Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words.

Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words.

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance