A Leopard¹, being no longer able, by reason of old age, to pursue his prey², feigned³ illness, and gave out that he would confer great favors upon any animal that would cure him. A cunning Fox heard of the proclamation, and lost no time in visiting the Leopard, first making himself look as much like a physician as he could. On seeing him, the Leopard declared that such a distinguished⁴ looking animal could not fail to cure him. This so flattered the Fox that he came near, and at once fell a victim to his vanity, being unable to flee because of the disguise, which fettered⁵ his limbs.

Flattery is a dangerous weapon in the hands of an enemy.