The quote reflects the idea that integrity and honesty are crucial qualities for leadership. It suggests that a ruler who is willing to deceive or exploit even the most marginalized, such as an "ugly old witch," cannot be trusted to act in the best interest of their people. Such behavior indicates a deeper flaw in character that could ultimately harm the whole community.

This warning emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting dishonesty before it becomes normalized. The notion that tolerating unethical behavior can lead to larger issues in governance underlines the need for vigilance among the townsfolk, encouraging them to stand against corruption for the sake of their collective well-being.