That ready wit, which you so partially allow me, ... may create
many admirers; but, take my word for it, it makes few friends. It
shines and dazzles like the noonday sun, but, like that, too, it is
very apt to scorch, and therefore is always feared. The milder
morning and evening light and heat of that planet soothe and calm our
minds. Never seek for wit; if it present itself, well and good; but
even then, let your judgement interpose, and take care that it be not
at the expense of anybody.
-- Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th earl of Chesterfield, 1749
Let your Wit rather serve you for a buckler to defend yourself
by a handsome reply, than the Sword to wound others, though with never
so facetious a Reproach, remembering that a Word cuts deeper than a
sharper weapon, and the Wound it makes is longer curing....
