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<h2>THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR</h2>
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<p>A very unskilful Cobbler, finding himself unable to make a
living at his trade, gave up mending boots and took to doctoring
instead. He gave out that he had the secret of a universal antidote
against all poisons, and acquired no small reputation, thanks to
his talent for puffing himself. One day, however, he fell very ill;
and the King of the country bethought him that he would test the
value of his remedy. Calling, therefore, for a cup, he poured out a
dose of the antidote, and, under pretence of mixing poison with it,
added a little water, and commanded him to drink it. Terrified by
the fear of being poisoned, the Cobbler confessed that he knew
nothing about medicine, and that his antidote was worthless. Then
the King summoned his subjects and addressed them as follows: "What
folly could be greater than yours? Here is this Cobbler to whom no
one will send his boots to be mended, and yet you have not
hesitated to entrust him with your lives!"</p>
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