@ghost-of-a-duke saidOnce again, are you the "misfortune" that Phil and I - and our radio progamme - encountered, and survived?
Relax sir, you weren't in the fable. (There weren't any minor characters).
@ghost-of-a-duke saidYour fable is completely off target.
I don't think you are following the fable at all.
@ghost-of-a-duke saidWere you insincere in your friendship with Phil? Do you feel Phil deserted you?
“He gave me this advice,” his companion replied. “Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger.”
Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.
THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN
A hunter, not very bold, was searching for the tracks of a Lion. He asked a man felling oaks in the forest if he had seen any marks of his footsteps or knew where his lair was. “I will,” said the man, “at once show you the Lion himself.” The Hunter, turning very pale and chattering with his teeth from fear, replied, “No, thank you. I did not ask that; it is his track only I am in search of, not the Lion himself.”
Aesop Fable
@ghost-of-a-duke saidMy friendship with Phil is impervious to your resentment.
I don't think you are following the fable at all.