The Jackass in Office
An ass carrying an image in a religious procession was driven through a town and all the people who passed by made a low reverence. Upon this the ass, supposing that they intended this worship for himself, was mightily puffed up, and would not budge another step. But the driver soon laid the stick across his back, saying at the same time, "You silly dolt! It is not you that they reverence, but the image which you carry."
Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.