The Wisecracks of a Monarch
The humour and witticisms of monarchs of old were so subtle ad classical that they have gone down the pages of their countries' literature. One such was Charles II, King of England, who was also affectionately called the "Merry Monarch".
Historians and research authorities in related realms now argue that Charles II was one of England's most intelligent sovereigns. As a wit, he was outstanding in an age of clever repartee. He endeared himself to his subjects with spontaneous quips which, today, would be classed as wisecracks.
As is common with most jokers, King Charles could himself enjoy the wit of others, even when cracked at his expense. Thus once he read his own epitaph I advance from the impudent pen of Lord Rochester:

"Here lies our Sovereign Lord the King,

Whose word no man relies on;
Who never said a foolish thing'
And never did a wise one".

The only reaction to this was a smile on King Charles' handsome but saturnine countenance. "A matter easily accounted for", came his sardonic reply: "my speech is my own, but my actions are my Ministers'."

The Duke of York and future James II was the younger brother of King Charles II. James was not very popular with the public. On one occasion he warned his brother against walking in the street without a bodyguard.

Quick came the retort of King Charles with a smile, which was characteristic of him on such occasions, "No danger whatsoever, James; they will never murder me to make you King".

Though his uninhibited love-life and his foreign policy caused King Charles II to be misunderstood by many of his contemporaries and many of his biographers, it will be evident form his witticisms that he did possess qualities of statesmanship and political dexterity. Above all he was a shrewd judge of human nature.