The Athenian Debtor
An Athenian man owes money. His creditor wants payment now. The debtor asks for time. The creditor refuses his request.
The man wants to pay. He owns only one sow. He owns nothing else. He takes her to market.
A buyer examines the sow. The buyer asks about piglets. The debtor nods at once. Then he makes grand claims. At the first festival, the sow bears female piglets. At the second festival, she bears male piglets. The buyer studies the sow in surprise.
The creditor listens to this lie. He adds a new mocking claim. At the third festival, she also bears goat kids.
Self-interest feeds lies.