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.

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.

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.

Do sometimes sink with their own weights.
[Lat., Votre espril en donne aux autres.]

Do sometimes sink with their own weights.
[Lat., Votre espril en donne aux autres.]

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.

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.

An ounce of wit is worth a pound of sorrow.

An ounce of wit is worth a pound of sorrow.

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.

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.