> I've always been fascinated by the role that
> Jesters played in a king's court (and assume that it was more than
> entertainment).
The Jester had a unique role. He was the only person in the kingdom
allowed to mock and poke fun at the king. In fact, that was his job. And
a wise king *always* keep his jester handy, usually a member of the court
in his own right (even if not acknowledged as such). And why? Because a
wise ruler realizes that abuses of power begin from taking yourself and
your power far too seriously.
-Prof. Tim