"The wit knows that his place is at the tail of a procession"

In this quote, Mark Twain provides an extensive insight into the role of wit in society. By mentioning that "the wit understands that his location is at the tail of a procession," Twain stresses the humble nature of wit. Instead of looking for a position at the leading edge, the wit voluntarily chooses to be at the back, observing and talking about the occasions that unfold before them. Twain suggests that wits have an unique perspective, typically supplying smart and amusing commentary on the world around them. By choosing the metaphor of a procession, Twain suggests that the wit is a keen observer, dissecting the happenings of life with astute insight and delivering their wit from a location of understanding.