One day when the prophet Elijah was standing in the marketplace,
A friend came up to him and asked:
"Is there anybody in this multitude
Who will have a share in the World to come?"
Elijah looked about him and with a sigh answered, "no."
Then he looked about again and pointed to two men who had
just entered the marketplace
and were making their way through the crowds.
"These two men will have a share in the world to come."
"What is their occupation and what have the done to deserve it?"
asked Elijah's friend.
"They are clowns" Elijah replied, "and when they see people
troubled in mind or heavy with sorrow, they make them laugh,
and when they meet people who quarrel,
they make peace between them."

                                                                              ~ From ancient Babylonia