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

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

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.

Jokes are grievances.

Big head, little wit.