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A very unskilful Cobbler, finding himself unable to make a living

at his trade, gave up mending boots and took to doctoring

instead. He gave out that he had the secret of a universal

antidote against all poisons, and acquired no small reputation,

thanks to his talent for puffing himself. One day, however, he

fell very ill; and the King of the country bethought him that he

would test the value of his remedy. Calling, therefore, for a

cup, he poured out a dose of the antidote, and, under pretence of

mixing poison with it, added a little water, and commanded him to

drink it. Terrified by the fear of being poisoned, the Cobbler

confessed that he knew nothing about medicine, and that his

antidote was worthless. Then the King summoned his subjects and

addressed them as follows: "What folly could be greater than

yours? Here is this Cobbler to whom no one will send his boots to

be mended, and yet you have not hesitated to entrust him with

your lives!"

THE ASS, THE COCK, AND THE LION