This fellow is wise enough to play the fool;And to do that well craves a kind of wit:He must observe their mood on whom he jests,The quality of persons, and the time,And, like the haggard, check at every featherThat comes before his eye. This is a practiseAs full of labour as a wise man's artFor folly that he wisely shows is fit;But wise men, folly-fall'n, quite taint their wit.

Summary

This quote suggests that wisdom lies in being able to act foolishly when necessary. The ability to convincingly play the fool requires a specific kind of intelligence. One must carefully observe the people and situations they are jesting with, like a hawk scrutinizing every feather before swooping. Mastering this art of foolishness is as demanding as any wise man's craft. However, if wise individuals themselves succumb to folly, their intelligence becomes tainted and loses its value. In essence, the quote highlights the importance of discernment and adaptability in navigating social interactions.

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