Laughter almost ever cometh of things most disproportioned to ourselves and nature. Laughter hath only a scornful tickling.

Laughter always arises from a gaiety of disposition, absolutely incompatible with contempt and indignation.

Some things are privileged from jest—namely, religion, matters of state, great persons, all men’s present business of importance, and any case that deserves pity.

Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.

I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?”