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.
This excerpt emphasizes the complexity of a fool’s role, illustrating that true wisdom is required to effectively play the fool. The individual must keenly observe the moods of others and understand the context to deliver jokes appropriately. This artful balancing act requires considerable skill and attention, akin to the meticulous nature of a wise person’s craft.
Shakespeare suggests that while a fool can appear wise by carefully managing their folly, wise individuals who descend into folly sully their intellect. The line underscores the intricacies of social interaction and the idea that humor must be employed thoughtfully to maintain its effectiveness and charm.
