n the old days, every king had a storyteller. In medieval Europe, for example, he was called a jester. He was not a fool but a teller of jests, tales of the exploits of heroes. Only gradually did the jester become a jokester whose exclusive function was to amuse a bored sovereign rather than to enlighten him about the honorable deeds of ancient kings and knights.

The original function of the jester-storyteller was to educate princes, young kings, and, in Africa, aspiring chiefs. Invariably, the storyteller is old and wise; the princesses and noble ladies often has a female storyteller, a wise old woman who knew numerous tales about clever women. I may tell you more about them another day!

In ancient India, as long ago as the days of Buddha, the kings would appoint teachers for their sons; the princes often were spoiled, lazy boys, so the only way they could be taught was with entertaining histories. The storyteller had to know innumerable jokes to keep his blasé audience amused and listening. The purpose of his tales was to educate the princes and aspiring chieflings in the difficult art of politics, without which no king can hold his throne for long.

How to choose trustworthy counselors and incorruptible chancellors, how to resolve disputes between strong characters, how to win wars without fighting battles, how to keep the peace in the women's quarters, how to administer justice between litigants in court: These were some of the constant challenges facing any sovereign from the moment his reign began.