This is a specimen of French wit in English.
Sarcasm is one of the most important and frequent ingredients in French wit.
Voltaire is the personification of that kind of wit; but other countries have produced men whose wit he should have had the modesty of calling "as good as French." England is foremost among those countries. Douglas Jerrold, Sydney Smith, Sheridan, Lord Eldon, had they been born in France, would have been called French wits.
Two anecdotes of these men, to illustrate the point.
Sheridan's son one day came to his father and announced that he would be a candidate for Parliament.
"Indeed," said Sheridan, "and what are your colors?"
"I have none," said the son, "I am independent, and belong to no party. I will stick on my forehead: 'To be let.'"
"Good," said Sheridan, "and under that, put 'Unfurnished.'"
Lord Eldon was a great sufferer from gout. A sympathizing lady friend had made him a beautiful pair of very large slippers to wear when his enemy troubled him.
One day his servant came to him, and announced that the lovely slippers were gone, and had been stolen.