“Alas, what is to be done? For I cannot live either with or without her!”—The Churning of the Ocean of Time (Sansara-sagara-manthanam).
The Talmud is far from a humorous work, but it embodies many bits of wise wit, and is the original source of many present day proverbs.
In its twelve folio volumes it contains the work of the ancient Jews for nearly a thousand years, and among its fine parables and interesting legends gleams of rare wit frequently occur.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TALMUD
The forest trees once asked the fruit trees: “Why is the rustling of your leaves not heard in the distance?” The fruit trees replied: “We can dispense with the rustling to manifest our presence, our fruits testify for us.” The fruit trees then inquired of the forest trees: “Why do your leaves rustle almost continually?” “We are forced to call the attention of man to our existence.”
Too many captains sink the ship.
Birds of a feather flock together; and so with men—like to like.
He laid his money on the horns of a deer.
Keep partners with him whom the hour favors.
Attend no auctions if thou hast no money.