Formerly, when I was told to consider him wise, I kept trying to, and thought I...

Formerly, when I was told to consider him wise, I kept trying to, and thought I was stupid myself because I was unable to perceive his wisdom; but as soon as I said to myself, he's stupid {only in a whisper of course}, it all became quite clear! Don't you think so?' 'How malicious you are to-day!'
'Not at all. I have no choice. One of us is stupid, and you know it's impossible to say so of oneself."