The Actor and the Pig

The inhabitants of an Italian town often gathered in the city square to watch performances.

One day, their favorite clown decided to show them something new. He came on stage alone, covered his head with his cloak, and began to grunt like a pig. The crowd was sure he had a real pig hidden under his cloak and demanded that he show it.

When he revealed that there was no pig at all, the people burst into loud applause.

A peasant standing among the spectators was amazed at their reaction and shouted, “Ladies and gentlemen, this clown isn’t as great as you think! I can imitate a pig even better. Come here tomorrow at the same time and judge for yourselves.”

The crowd was confident that their favorite performer was the better one. Many came the next day, eager to boo the peasant and cheer for their beloved clown.

When the two rivals appeared on stage, the clown once again grunted like a pig, and the audience applauded louder than ever.

Then the peasant covered his head with his cloak and tickled the ear of a real pig he had hidden under his arm. The animal squealed loudly — but the audience hissed at the peasant.

He lifted the pig and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s not me you’re booing — it’s this poor pig! Truly, you are excellent judges!”