Triboulet was a jester for Louis XII (King of France from 1498 to 1515) who is perhaps most famous for slapping the king on the butt.
This act greatly angered the king and he threatened to have Triboulet executed. After taking a moment to calm down, the king decided to spare Triboulet’s life if he could think of an apology that was more offensive than what he just did to the king.
Triboulet went on to say: “I’m so sorry, your majesty, that I didn’t recognize you! I mistook you for the Queen!”
Triboulet’s response while clever and indeed more offensive, broke an order put in place that prohibited anyone from making fun of the queen. The king decided to proceed with the execution, but allowed Triboulet to choose how he would die. With his life on the line, Triboulet replied, “Good sire, for Saint Nitouche’s and Saint Pansard’s sake, patrons of insanity, I choose to die from old age.”
The speechless king could do nothing but just laugh. He cancelled the execution and decided to just banish Triboulet.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.