"Cunning leads to knavery. It is but a step from one to the other, and that very slippery. Only lying makes the difference; add that to cunning, and it is knavery"

This quote by Ovid speaks to the idea that cunning and knavery are closely associated. Cunning is a type of intelligence that is used to gain an advantage over others, while knavery is a type of dishonesty or deceit. Ovid suggests that the only difference in between the 2 is lying, and that when shrewd is integrated with lying, it becomes knavery. This quote acts as a cautioning to be mindful with one's cunning, as it can easily cause dishonesty and deceit. It likewise functions as a reminder that lying is a slippery slope, and that it can rapidly result in more serious forms of dishonesty. Ovid's quote is a suggestion that it is important to be honest and to utilize one's intelligence in a responsible way.