Kieran Healy

‘For, sure, by Wit is only meant
Applying what we first invent:
What Humor is, not all the Tribe
Of Lodgik-mongers can describe;
Here only Nature acts her part,
Unhelpt by Practice, Books or Art,
For Wit and Humor differ quite,
That gives surprise and this Delight:
Humor is odd, grotesque and wild,
Only by Affection spoild,
Tis never by Invention got,
Men have it when they know it not.’

– Jonathan Swift (1718) -To Mr. Delany