Flattery is often a mask to hide evil.
THE BULL AND THE GOAT
A Bull fled from a Lion and ran into a cave where a Goat lived. The Goat tried to stop his entrance, and struck at him with his horns. The Bull, though cross at this, did not butt at the Goat on the spot, but just said, “Do not think that I fear you. Wait till the Lion is out of sight, and then I will treat you as you deserve.” Never profit by the woes of others.
THE RAVEN AND THE SWAN
A Raven who did not like his black coat had the wish to grow as white as a Swan. So he left his old friends and haunts, and went to the streams and lakes, where he spent all his time washing and dressing his clothes; but all was of no use, he was just as black as ever; and as he had not had food that was good for him, he soon grew ill and died. We cannot change our skins.