I had rather have a fool to make me merry than experience to make me sad.

Related:

• I have gained my experience. -- William Shakespeare (1564-1616),
  As You Like It -- Act iv, Sc....
• I will make a Star-chamber matter of it. -- William Shakespeare (1564-1616),
  The Merry Wives of Windsor -- Act i, Sc....
• I had rather than forty shillings I had my Book of Songs and Sonnets here.
  William Shakespeare (1564-1616), The Merry Wives of...
• I will scarce think you have swam in a gondola. --
  William Shakespeare (1564-1616), As You Like It -...
• If the rascal have not given me medicines to make me love him,
  I 'll be hanged. -- William Shakespeare (1564-1616)...
• I have an exposition of sleep come upon me. -- William Shakespeare (1564-1616),
  A Midsummer Night's Dream -- Act iv, Sc....
• I had rather be a kitten and cry mew Than one of these same metre ballad-mongers.
  William Shakespeare (1564-1616), King Henry IV --...
• I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word. -- William Shakespeare (1564-1616),
  The Merchant of Venice -- Act iv, Sc....
• I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, Than such a Roman.
  William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Julius Caesar --...