"There's no possibility of being witty without a little ill-nature"

This quote by Richard Brinsley Sheridan suggests that wit and ill-nature are linked. He implies that it is impossible to be amusing without having a little bit of ill-nature in one's character. This might suggest that in order to be witty, one must want to be a little bit crucial or ironical. It could also suggest that in order to be witty, one should agree to take threats as well as not hesitate to make jokes that could possibly annoy someone. In either case, Sheridan is suggesting that wit and also ill-nature are connected which one can not exist without the various other. This quote might be interpreted as a warning to be mindful when trying to be amusing, as it can conveniently be taken the wrong means. It can also be taken a tip to not take oneself too seriously as well as to be going to poke fun at oneself.