The ass in the lion’s skin

Since I had no time to write a blog this week, instead I publish this fable by Jean de La Fontaine. I leave the interpretation to you. To my mind, it is wider than the conclusion in the fable itself.

The ass in the lion’s skin

An ass clad in a lion's skin,
Spread terror all around,
And though he was an ass within,
Each trembled at the sound!
A portion of Jack's ear by chance peeped through,
And the whole trick at once exposed to view.
Ralph with a cudgel did his office quick,
Wild stared the folks who did not know the trick.
They were surprised to see that Ralph, at will,
Could drive a lion to the mill.
Many great people famed in France,
By whom this apologue's familial- grown,
Are chiefly for their courage known
By the bold equipage in which they prance.

Sources
Fables, Jean de La Fontaine, Book V, 21
Source illustration