A king was told that a man who had made a career of flattery was coming to his palace. “Be on your guard,” warned his advisers, “This fellow wins the favour of everyone through his flattery and then gets them to part with costly gifts.” “I am too hard-headed to fall for such tricks,” said the king, “Let him come.” When the man came, he fell at the king’s feet. “How honoured I am to be in the same room as the mightiest of monarchs,” he intoned, “I find myself blinded by the radiance of your beauty, the glory of your presence, your divine charm, your grace, your elegance.”
He went on in this fashion for about twenty minutes. When he paused for breath, one of the advisers seized the opportunity to have a quick word with his royal master. “Didn’t we warn you, Your Majesty,” he said, “He is a glib talker.” “Have no fear,” replied the king, “As I told you, it’s not easy to trick me. The moment he starts to flatter me, I will throw him out. But so far he has spoken nothing but the truth.”
