New-York tribune., 1905-08-20
w It O F AL
n A ITO ~ s
By Helen Leah Reed

between them We may agree with Locke
and Addison that wit and humor consist IN
finding resembanCes in unlike ideas to delight
and surprise the hearer, with the French
man who called wit fusion of smiles and tears.
Whatever our definitions, we Americans always
ready to appreciate wit and humor, so ready
IN fact that we are likely to smile before the
witticism has been actually uttered. But
beyond all other proofs of wit is the
fact that periodical repartee makes up
almost the complete contents of more than
one funny journal across the water.
Undoubtedly many of own gems are
not wholly indigenous to our own soil Old
bulls in new clothes are as mirth-provoking
10 succeeding generation as to that IN which
they originated only that the
clothes modern and ample.
In brief space one cannot give examples of
the more elaborate forms of wit, and perhaps
after all repartee displays most clearly the
essence of national wit. The boundary of
Sparta is the point of spears, said Agesi-
laus, and at once we feel the spirit of ancient
Greece.
Although the English press, when 1t tries to
be funny borrows its Jokes from us, this
should not blind us to the fact that there
is such a thing as English humor In
delicate repartee, for example, am not
sure that the English do not surpass us.
But really to enjoy any of the much-quoted
bons mOts, should never suspect their
truthfuness, far the persons to whom
they are attributed are concerned.
Why should doubt that Lord Bacon,
for example, a prodigy of a courtier
when a small boy he answered Queen
Ehzabeth's inquiry as to his age: 1.-TWO years
older than your majesty's happy reign"
1t is to the eighteenth and nineteenth CEN
turies. however, that we turn for most of our
gems of rePartee. ~
A certain physician comforted a woman
(knowing her to be well past thirty who
complained that she was near her thirtieth
birthday, with: "Oh, well do not fret you'll
get farther away from it every day.
1t was Swift who warned friend who was
extolling the air of OvertaXed Ireland; Hush,
If they hear you say that, they'll certainly
tax the AIR.
That pea will never come to perfection"
remarked a young woman walking through
a garden with Sidney Smith
Then let me lead perfection to the pea
and he gallanty offered her his
Marriage" said Smith lis like a pair of
shears, so joined that they cannot be separated.
moving in opposite directions, vet Furnishing
everything that comes between them"
Charles asked Coleridge OF his old
friend Lamb, did you ever hear me preachs"
Il never heard you do anything else" was
the answer.
" It's a shame to spoil two good things, " said
Charles Lamb, when some one spoke OF mixing
brandy and water.
Have You sufficient confidence to lend
me guinea?" asked Dibdin the younger of
Ierrold.
"Oh, yes, I've all the confidence but l
haven't the guinea"
Il hear you make pun on any sub
iect" said woman to the irresistible Fox.
Make one on King
King is no subject" promptly replied
the Joker.
Il don't see why that tune haunts me
constantly?" complained dull man who was
always humming.
Because you are forever numbering it."
came the quick reply from Foote.
How can the blind be happv'" asked
some one IN the hearing of Charles Matthews.
Because they no reason why not
Theodore Hook replied to some one who
asked him to contribute to society for the