Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany in the thirties. He claimed racial supremacy of the Germans. He claimed the right of the Germans to be the masters of the world. Other nations protested. But they could not stand up to the might of the German forces. Many European nations . . . Poland, Czechoslovakia, France. . . fell easily when Germany attacked. Thus began the Second World War. Soon most nations of the world were drawn into the war. The world was divided into two camps. One camp was led by Hitler and the Axis powers. Set against this camp were the Allies, led by the United States and Britain. Norway was threatened. The people resisted. They held on with determination and courage. The Germans sensed that it would be better to get inside support. The search began. German agents made discreet enquiries. Finally they identified the man for the job. He was Vidkin Quisling, an ambitious politician. A German agent met Quisling, at a secret venue. The two discussed the course of the war. The German agent pointed out, "There is no power on the earth that can stand up to German attack. Can't you see it? How easily did Germany overrun most nations of Europe. Norway has no chance, if it comes to a fight to the very end. Listen to me. Throw in your lot with Germany. Extend all help to the Nazi cause."
Quisling did not respond immediately. He thought over the proposal. "What is in it for me?" he asked finally. "Power, my friend. You will enjoy Hitler's confidence. He will appoint you as the Prime Minister of Norway. Is that not reward enough?" the agent responded immediately. "Will you guarantee that?" Quisling spoke with a slight tremor. "Of course," the agent beamed a pleased smile.
Quisling played into the hands of Hitler. He gave timely tips to the Germans on the plans of the resistance movement. Hence the Norwegian defence suffered heavy losses. Soon the resistance collapsed. The Germans moved into Norway. Quisling had sold himself and his nation. He got his price. He became the puppet Prime Minister of Norway. By helping enemies Quisling realised his lifetime ambition. But it was his nation's misfortune to have a politician like him. He died dishonoured and discredited. Today his name Quisling stands for a traitor.
Meaning: Be true to your group clan or nation. Don't be a traitor. Don't sell yourself and your people for money or power, to the enemy.
Alternatives: Don't be a snake in the grass. Don't be a double cross. Beware of the enemy within.
Quisling did not respond immediately. He thought over the proposal. "What is in it for me?" he asked finally. "Power, my friend. You will enjoy Hitler's confidence. He will appoint you as the Prime Minister of Norway. Is that not reward enough?" the agent responded immediately. "Will you guarantee that?" Quisling spoke with a slight tremor. "Of course," the agent beamed a pleased smile.
Quisling played into the hands of Hitler. He gave timely tips to the Germans on the plans of the resistance movement. Hence the Norwegian defence suffered heavy losses. Soon the resistance collapsed. The Germans moved into Norway. Quisling had sold himself and his nation. He got his price. He became the puppet Prime Minister of Norway. By helping enemies Quisling realised his lifetime ambition. But it was his nation's misfortune to have a politician like him. He died dishonoured and discredited. Today his name Quisling stands for a traitor.
Meaning: Be true to your group clan or nation. Don't be a traitor. Don't sell yourself and your people for money or power, to the enemy.
Alternatives: Don't be a snake in the grass. Don't be a double cross. Beware of the enemy within.
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