Less Judgment than Wit, is more Sale than Ballast
From William Penn’s Fruits of Solitude
What does the comparison of ‘sale’ mean? What is ‘sale’
My WAG (showing neither judgement or wit) would be that ‘sale’ is an alternative spelling of ‘sail’, and that while the sail of a boat provides the excitement and vigour of rushing across the waves (the frivolity of wit) it is the sturdy ballast of a seacraft which ensures you don’t capsize - sound judgment prevents things going ‘tits up’.
Is it possible that sale is a misspelling of sail? As in a ship under sail being propelled by the wind. Ballast is used to counterbalance the weight of the sails on a sailing vessel.
It might refer to a “sail” rather than “sale”.
I think “sale” means “sail”, I’m surprised no one’s mentioned it yet.
Yes, but has anyone considered the possibility that he really meant “sail” instead of “sale”?
Are you saying we’ve been assailed with salient but similar sail/sale comments?
Just becuase everyone else says so, does not mean they are right, I’s sure you are aware that Sale is a town near Manchester.
If you look up the history of the place you will find the answers,
http://saletowncentre.co.uk/History.asp
I am, of course, just as mystified as you are and look forward to your research report into this interesting topic.
There’s a sale at Penny’s!
I’m calling my question asked and answered at this point, and for the portlynonhirsuite,
How every fool can play upon the word! I think the
best grace of wit will shortly turn into silence,
and discourse grow commendable in none only but
parrots.
Parrots don’t have sails, they have wings.
Oh, well played sir.
For the record, the OED does list “sale” as an alternate spelling for “sail” between the 14th & 18th centuries.
I believe it’s a nautical reference.
Once. For about twenty minutes.
Something to do with boats
On a limited supply of fluorescent light parts?
CMC fnord!