The Cobbler Turned Doctor
Aesop Fable: The Cobbler Turned Doctor
A cobbler unable to make a living by his trade and made
desperate by poverty, began to practice medicine in a town
in which he was not known. He sold a drug, pretending
that it was an antidote to all poisons, and obtained a great
name for himself by long-winded puffs and advertisements.
When the Cobbler happened to fall sick himself of a serious
illness, the Governor of the town determined to test his
skill. For this purpose he called for a cup, and while filling
it with water, pretended to mix poison with the Cobbler’s
antidote, commanding him to drink it on the promise of a
reward. The Cobbler, under the fear of death, confessed that
he had no knowledge of medicine, and was only made famous
by the stupid clamors of the crowd.
The Governor
then called a public assembly and addressed the citizens:
"Of what folly have you been guilty? You have not hesitated
to entrust your heads to a man, whom no one could
employ to make even the shoes for their feet."
|
|
|
|
|
