It's simply a literary quote and of course out of context many don't make sense today and/or we have lost any humorous references there may have been in the writing.
I suppose I should move on but it just niggles me. I sometimes find it difficult to let go of a problem ( guess who says that! ) and, for some reason, this is one of those times. Take a deep breath, steven. Sorry!
You are amazing Mamyalynne! Always so helpful. You are very kind to me and I am very grateful.
I think I may be able to move on now. I still don' t really get the humour but I now do see the context. Thank you.
steven