There was once an Ass whose Master also owned a Lap Dog. They had so much freedom that it had spoiled them, and they did nothing but sit around croaking in a bored manner and wishing for a government that could entertain them with the pomp and display of royalty, and rule them in a way to make them know they were being ruled. The Leopard was very proud of his glossy, spotted coat and made disdainful remarks about the Fox, whose appearance he declared was quite ordinary. So he loaded his sling with stones and killed several of the Cranes. Now, if I am the most guilty, I am ready to be sacrificed. Stop your crying, or I will give you to the Wolf! We are drawing all the weight, not you, and we are keeping still about it besides.
Flattery is not a proof of true admiration.