A college joke to cure the dumps.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745): Cassinus and Peter.

And gentle Dulness ever loves a joke.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): The Dunciad. Book ii. Line 34.

Well had the boding tremblers learn'd to trace

The day's disasters in his morning face;

Full well they laugh'd with counterfeited glee

At all his jokes, for many a joke had he;

Full well the busy whisper circling round

Convey'd the dismal tidings when he frown'd.

Yet was he kind, or if severe in aught,

The love he bore to learning was in fault;

The village all declar'd how much he knew,

'T was certain he could write and cipher too.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Deserted Village. Line 199.