μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
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Filed under Policy in dealing with the great.

3 finer motifs beneath it
The king and the cheap slippers. Steward buys the king a pair of slippers. King thinks not enough has been paid for them and refuses them. Steward buys another like the first and charges a good price. Learns that this is the way to deal with kingsDevil decides to leave of own accord. It is decided to drive the devil out of a man who is possessed. Devil sees the inevitable and flees so that they cannot say that he has been driven offVanquished ruler in disguise gets audience with victor. "What would you do if your enemy were to kneel before you and beg forgiveness?" "I would forgive him." Reveals identity and is pardoned
Filed beside it
Wisdom of concessions to powerFlattery of the greatUnpleasant truths must be withheld from the greatTact in reproving the greatA soft answer turneth away wrathCare in advising a kingKeeping on good terms with hostile godsMan plays fool to protect himself in dealing with kingMan recounts unpleasant happening to king when in good humor and draws laugh; rest draw punishment

wander