Yes, during the Roman Triumphs[0] during the Republic and heavily during the Roman Empire there purportedly was a slave who held the wreath of a victor over the

Yes, during the Roman Triumphs[0] during the Republic and heavily during the Roman Empire there purportedly was a slave who held the wreath of a victor over the head of the Imperator or who ever else was being celebrated and whispered phrases like "Respice te, hominem te memento" -- Look behind you, remember you are only a man and "Memento mori" -- Remember (that you are) mortal. [0] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_triumph http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_triumph