Rob Gibb

James V. had an excellent fool in Rob Gibb, who was a fellow of much humour and drollery, and by all accounts a wise fool. James V., before his death, turned sullen, melancholy, and discontented with the world. In order
to amuse the king, and in some measure contribute to relieve him from the numerous solicitations which he saw
added to his distress, Rob offered that, if the king would allow him to impersonate his majesty on the day appointed for answering the claimants, he would satisfy
them all.

This being agreed to, Rob took the chair of state in the audience-room, and they being summoned to attend him, he very graciously received and heard all their claims and pretensions. He then addressed them in a very grave and sensible speech on the virtue of patriotism, and declared how much his majesty was gratified with their services ; but in place of that remuneration which tbey expected, he offered himself as an example for their imitation.

“I have served,” says he, “the king the best part of my life without fee or reward oat of stark love and kindness, a principle I seriously recommend to you all to
carry home with you and adopt.”

This conclusion, so uncommon and unexpected, uttered with the gravity of a bishop by one in a fool’s coat, put them all in good humour, and Rob gained his end. From this proceeds the toast of Rob Gibb, and stark love and kindness. The king, who was much pleased and amused with the adventure, soon after made Rob a present of some good lands.

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