I have known sorrow--therefore I
May laugh with you, O friend, more merrily
Than those who never read more

I have known sorrow--therefore I
May laugh with you, O friend, more merrily
Than those who never sorrowed upon earth
And know not laughter's worth.
I have known laughter--therefore I
May sorrow with you far more tenderly
Than those who never guess how sad a thing
Seems merriment to one heart's suffering.

A gentleman is often seen, but very seldom heard to laugh.

A gentleman is often seen, but very seldom heard to laugh.

Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.

Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.

Laughter springs from the lawless part of our nature.

Laughter springs from the lawless part of our nature.

Laugh, and be fat, sir, your penance is known.
They that love mirth, let them heartily drink,
read more

Laugh, and be fat, sir, your penance is known.
They that love mirth, let them heartily drink,
'Tis the only receipt to make sorrow sink.

And if I laugh at any mortal thing, 'Tis that I may not weep.

And if I laugh at any mortal thing, 'Tis that I may not weep.

And if I laugh at any mortal thing,
'Tis that I may not weep.

And if I laugh at any mortal thing,
'Tis that I may not weep.

I quickly laugh at everything, for fear of having to cry.

I quickly laugh at everything, for fear of having to cry.

Learn from the earliest days to insure your principles against the perils of ridicule; you can no more exercise your read more

Learn from the earliest days to insure your principles against the perils of ridicule; you can no more exercise your reason if you live in the constant dread of laughter, that you can enjoy your life if you are in the constant terror of death.