French Wit

The French opera composer Grétry had a quick wit—and he liked using it.

Traveling through Switzerland, he met a German baron who suggested they journey together. Grétry tried to make conversation: “Ah, sir, how delighted I am with—”

“Sir,” interrupted the baron, “I never talk in a carriage.”

Later, at an inn, Grétry tried again. The baron snapped: “I never talk in an inn.”

Grétry answered dryly: “Then perhaps we should talk on the road.” The baron finally caught the joke, and the two became friendly.

Next day, climbing Mount Cenis, Grétry noticed a small cross in the ground and asked the guides what it meant. They shot back, one word: “Silence!” Grétry thought, ‘More German barons?’

But the guides explained: up there, even conversation could trigger vibrations that might loosen snow and start an avalanche.