The Apes and the Two Travelers

Two men, one who always spoke the truth and the other who told nothing but lies, were traveling together when they unexpectedly arrived in the land of Apes. Among the Apes, one had elevated himself to the status of king and commanded that the two men be seized and brought before him. He wished to learn what was said about him among humans.

The king ordered that all the Apes be arranged in a long row on his right and left sides, and he instructed that a throne be placed for him, as was customary among men. Once these preparations were made, he signified that the two men should be brought before him and greeted them with this salutation: "What sort of a king do I seem to you, O strangers?"

The Lying Traveler replied, "You seem to me a most mighty king."

"And what is your estimate of those you see around me?" the king inquired.

"These," he responded, "are worthy companions of yourself, fit at least to be ambassadors and leaders of armies."

The Ape and all his court, pleased by the flattery, commanded that a handsome gift be given to the liar. Observing this, the Truthful Traveler thought to himself, "If such a great reward is given for a lie, what gift might I receive if I tell the truth, as is my custom?"

The Ape quickly turned to him. "And pray, how do I and these my friends around me seem to you?"

"You are," he said, "a most excellent Ape, and all your companions, following your example, are excellent Apes too."

Enraged at hearing such truths, the King of the Apes condemned him to the teeth and claws of his companions.