Bring on the clowns

Mention the word 'jester' and the (imagine) conjures up a picture of a scampering playful fellow hired for the (amuse) of others.
As a rule, the jester was in the service of a particular monarch, and his job to (sure) that the king and his court were kept in high spirits.
(tradition), court clowns were not valued for their (intellect) humour, but for their (child) frivolity and rather disrespectful brand of slapstick comedy. While His Royal Highness was in a good mood, the jester enjoyed the honour of being permitted to say or do almost anything.
However, his chosen occupation did have its (advantage) if the king was having a bad day, the jester could very well be beheaded or receive some other form of severe (punish) for his entertaining efforts.