Some Boys were playing one day at the edge of a pond in which lived a family of Frogs. The Shepherd wanted to make the Wild Goats part of his flock; so he fed them well. When all the animals were gathered together he arose and said: Dear friends, I believe the gods have sent this plague upon us as a punishment for our sins. But the Earthen Pot excused himself, saying that it would be wiser for him to stay in the corner by the fire. For a long time he kept away from the other Foxes, for he knew well enough that they would all make fun of him and crack jokes and laugh behind his back. Perhaps we may thus obtain forgiveness and cure for all. I am of just as much importance, and But just then the royal Cat spied him, and the next instant, the Rat knew he was not quite so important as an Elephant.
Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth.