This is Triboulet, the Court Jester Who Slapped the King in the Butt and Used His Wit to Save His Life

(Image credit: Vikas Vaid/Quora)

During the time when kings and queens had absolute power, just a single word or command from the monarch may cost a person their life. As it almost did with Triboulet, the court jester of King Francis I of France.

The story went that Triboulet slapped the king in the butt, angering him. Despite threatening to have Triboulet executed, the king gave Triboulet a second chance if his apology was more offensive than slapping his butt.

Indeed, Triboulet's response was more offensive. He quipped, "I'm so sorry, your majesty, that I didn't recognize you! I mistook you for the Queen!" Triboulet made the grave error of insulting the queen which was completely forbidden.

The king ordered Triboulet's death. But as his last act of mercy, he gave Triboulet the choice of the manner of death. To which, Triboulet replied:

"Good sire, for Saint Nitouche's and Saint Pansard's sake, patrons of insanity, I choose to die from old age."

At this, the king laughed, canceled the execution, and banished him instead.