Wit consists in seeing the resemblance between things which differ, and the difference between things which are alike

Wit consists in seeing the resemblance between things which differ, and the difference between things which are alike

At 20 years of age the will reigns; at 30, the wit; at 40, the judgment.

At 20 years of age the will reigns; at 30, the wit; at 40, the judgment.

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.]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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