English poem
The KINGS of EUROPE. A JEST
by Robert Dodsley (1704–1764)
Why pray, of late, do Europe's kings No jester in their courts admit? They're grown such stately solemn things, To bear a joke they think not fit.
But tho' each court a jester lacks, To laugh at monarchs to their face; All mankind behind their backs Supply the honest jester's place.