This man [Chesterfield] I thought had been a lord among wits; but I find he is only a wit among lords.

He who has provoked the shaft of wit, cannot complain that he smarts from it.

He knew what's what, and that's as high As metaphysics wit can fly

For daring nonsense seldom fails to hit, Like scattered shot, and pass with some for wit

Great wits and valours, like great states, Do sometimes sink with their own weights.

We grant, although he had much wit, H' was very shy of using it, As being loth to wear it out, And therefore bore it not about; Unless on holy days or so, As men their best apparel do.