Aesop

The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.

It is wise to turn circumstances to good account.

"You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to confer benefits on a Lion."

"My sons, if you are of one mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be as this faggot, uninjured by all the attempts of your enemies; but if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these sticks."

In serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.

"O you most perverse creatures, when I piped you would not dance, but now that I have ceased you do so merrily."

resolved not to lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the Lamb the Wolf's right to eat him.

The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.

It is wise to turn circumstances to good account.

The Lion and the Mouse