From Chatterbox, 1905

NOTHING IS PERFECT.
      

      

      
An Italian artist had painted a little girl holding a basket of strawberries. 
      
One of his friends, who was at the time a great admirer of his genius, 
      
wishing to show the perfection of the picture, said to some people who were 
      
looking at it, 'These strawberries are so very natural and perfect, that I have seen 
      
birds coming down from the trees to peck them, mistaking them for real strawberries.'
      

      
A countryman, on hearing this ridiculous praise, burst out laughing:
      
'Well, sir,' he cried, 'if the strawberries are so well represented as you say they are, 
      
it must not be the same with the little girl, since she does not frighten the birds.'
      

      
The painter's friend could answer nothing; he had received a well-deserved rebuke 
      
for his flattery.
      

      
MORAL.--Excessive praise wrongs rather than benefits the person upon
      
whom it is bestowed.
      

      
W. YARWOOD.
    

    

    
I simply love these old stories where everything was supposed to have a sensmorale. :)
    
Wouldn't hurt with some more of that "old school" morale in these days, either.