There were two men. One who always spoke the truth and the other who told nothing but lies. They both were traveling together and by chance came to the land of Apes.
One of the Apes, who had raised himself to be king, commanded them to be caught and brought before him so that he might know what was said about him among men.
He ordered at the same time that all the Apes be arranged in a long row on his right hand and on his left. And he also ordered that a throne should be placed for him, as was the conference among men.
After these preparations he advised that the two men should be brought before him, and greeted them with this gesture: "What sort of a king do I seem to you to be, O strangers?' The Lying Traveler replied, "You seem to me a most mighty king." "And what is your view of those you see around me?' "These," he made answer, "are worthy companions of yourself, fit at least to be envoy and leaders of armies."
The Ape and all his court, gratified with the lie, commanded that a handsome present be given to the flatterer.
On this the truthful Traveler thought to himself, "If so great a reward be given for a lie, with what gift may not I be rewarded, if, according to my conference, I tell the truth?' The Ape quickly turned to him. "And pray how do I and these my friends around me seem to you?' "Thou art," he said, "a most excellent Ape, and all these the companions after the example are excellent Apes too."
The King of the Apes, angry at hearing these truths, gave him over to the teeth and claws of his companions.