Zeus had charged Hermes with pouring out to all the craftsmen the poison of lying. Hermes ground it up and, making an equal share for each, poured it out for them. But when only the cobbler was left and there was still a great deal of poison, he took the whole mortar and poured it over him. Ever since then all craftsmen are liars, but cobblers most of all.
*Habitual lying corrupts both a trade and the reputation of those who practise it.
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Nº 260The Traveller and HermesA traveller, who had a long journey to make, vowed that, if he found anything, he would dedicate half of it to Hermes. Now he found a bag in which…Read the fable →
Nº 10The Athenian DebtorIn Athens a debtor, pressed by his creditor to pay, first begged for more time, pleading hardship. When that failed, he brought out the one sow he…Read the fable →