4th century BCE, Europe, Greece, Latin, primary source, quotes, stories
An unusual account of a Greek jester who was persuaded to invite the artist Apelles of Kos (4th century BCE) to dine with the king despite knowing they had been estranged. When the artist was asked by the nonplussed king to identify who had invited him, he sketched a...
1st century, correspondence, Europe, historical figure, Italy, Latin, primary source, quotes
In a letter to Lucilius, Seneca comments unfavourably on his wife’s fool and on fools in general. He then goes on to tell us that Harpaste became blind and, revealing her foolishness, she asked her attendant to move her to other quarters as hers had become...
1st century, Europe, historical figure, Italy, Latin, primary source, quotes, Roman
Even Nero (r. 54-68), not noted for his niceness, allowed a certain latitude to his mocking critics and these were probably mimes – actors who could take it upon themselves to improvise on stage and send some satirical sallies out into the auditorium. Despite...
2nd century, Europe, historical figure, Italy, Latin, primary source, quotes, Roman
Emperor Verus (r. 161-69)  perhaps surpasses most other emperors in his enthusiasm for entertainers of all sorts, and the comment in the Scriptores Historiae Augustae, wry in its description of his delight in them, recognizes jesters as mimes. He seems to have...
1st century, Europe, historical figure, Italy, Latin, primary source, quotes, Roman, stories
An interesting intervention by a dwarf, standing ‘among the jesters’ of the Roman emperor Tiberius (r. 14-37), and challenging him to carry out an execution of someone charged with treason.  Curious to see that while Tiberius ‘chided him for his...
16th century, bibliography, book, canon, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Rulers, for all the advantages they enjoy, seem to me in one respect most disadvantaged: they’ve nobody from whom they can hear the truth; in place of friends they’re lumbered with flatterers. p. 45The Moriae Encomium by Erasmus (1469-1536), written in...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Here the ever bold lady Folly makes her irrefutable claim to be the source of life. Yet another brazen statement by this folly goddess. And the basis for her argument is that human life is created with a set of laughable organs. I create life. In the first place,...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Erasmus’ Folly yet again turns things on their head, assuring us that her rebukes are a compliment. Presumably, if she bothers to upbraid you, you must have the potential for improvement. But note too how she castigates the failure of fools to identify what is...
