Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1907 — Roadside Wit. [ARTICLE]

Roadside Wit.

He who matched wits with the author of “The Ancient Mariner” had indeed a lively task before him, for Coleridge was never caught napping. The poet was so awkward a horseman that his riding often attracted comment of anything but a complimentary nature. One day he was riding along the turnpike road in the county of Durham when a wag who met him fastened upon him as an excellent subject for sport Consequently he drew rein and said In an Impertinent drawl: “My graceful friend, did you happen to meet a tailor on the road?” “I’m Inclined to think I did,” said Coleridge meditatively. “I was not sure at the moment but be said something about my meeting a goose farther along the road.” \ The wag put spurs to his horse, and the poet jogged calmly on his way. A reputation for wisdom Is easier gained by keeping your mouth shut than by attempting to talk wisely. One of the funniest things In this world Is to see a woman who Isn’t used to It change.