Wit is cultured insolence.

Wit is cultured insolence.

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.

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.

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

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

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

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

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

Wit is the epitaph of an emotion

Wit is the epitaph of an emotion

Ev'n wit's a burthen, when it talks too long.

Ev'n wit's a burthen, when it talks too long.