The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape
A Wolf charged a Fox with theft, which he denied, and the case was brought before an Ape to be tried. When he had heard the evidence on both sides, the Ape gave judgment as follows: “I do not think,” he said, “that you, O Wolf, ever lost what you claim; but all the same I believe that you, Fox, are guilty of the theft, in spite of all your denials.”
The dishonest get no credit, even if they act honestly.