charlatan

  • Treating hunchbacks

    There was once a charlatan who claimed he could cure deformities of the spine. ”Whether your back is like a bow, a shrimp, a ring, or whatever you please, come to me and I’ll straighten it in no time.”

  • The immortality scam

    A charlatan informed the King of Yan that he could make him immortal, and the prince bade one of his subjects learn this art; but before the envoy could do so the stranger died. Then the prince, in great anger, executed his subject.