Aesop's Fables

Two men, one who always spoke the truth and the other who told nothing but lies, were traveling together and by chance came to the land of the Apes. One of the Apes, who had made himself king, ordered them to be seized and brought before him so that he might learn what was said of him among men. At the same time he ordered that all the Apes be arranged in a long row on his right hand and on his left, and that a throne be placed for him, as was the custom among men. After these preparations he signaled that the two men should be brought before him, and he greeted them with these words: “What sort of king do I seem to you to be, strangers?” The lying Traveler replied, “You seem to me a most mighty king.” “And what is your opinion of those you see around me?” “These,” he answered, “are worthy companions of yours, fit at the very least to be ambassadors and leaders of armies.” The Ape and all his court, pleased with the lie, ordered that a handsome present be given to the flatterer. At this, the truthful Traveler thought to himself, “If so great a reward is given for a lie, what gift will I not receive if I tell the truth, as is my custom?” The Ape quickly turned to him. “And please tell me, how do I and these friends of mine around me seem to you?” “You are,” he said, “a most excellent Ape, and all these companions of yours, following your example, are excellent Apes too.” The king of the Apes, enraged at hearing these truths, handed him over to the teeth and claws of his companions.