A cobbler, unable to make a living by his trade and desperate from poverty, began to practice medicine in a town where he was unknown. He sold a drug, pretending it was an antidote to all poisons, and gained a great reputation through long-winded advertisements.
When the cobbler himself fell seriously ill, the town's Governor decided to test his skill. He called for a cup and, while filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the cobbler's antidote. He then commanded the cobbler to drink it, promising a reward.
Fearing death, the cobbler confessed he had no medical knowledge and was only made famous by the foolish clamor of the crowd. The Governor then called a public assembly and addressed the citizens: "What folly have you been guilty of? You did not hesitate to entrust your heads to a man whom no one would even employ to make shoes for their feet."