Wit is the lowest form of humor.

Wit is the lowest form of humor.

Wit is the clash and reconcilement of incongruities; the meeting
of extremes round a corner.

Wit is the clash and reconcilement of incongruities; the meeting
of extremes round a corner.

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 and valours, like great states,
Do sometimes sink with their own weights.

Great wits and valours, like great states,
Do sometimes sink with their own weights.

Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.

Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.

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

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

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.]

Less judgment than wit, is more sail than ballast.

Less judgment than wit, is more sail than ballast.

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.