Robert Christy, comp. Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages. 1887.
Pretence
If you want a pretence to whip a dog, it is easy enough to say he ate up the frying-pan.
On a little pretext the wolf seizes the sheep.Italian, Dutch.
You have daily to do with the devil and pretend to be frightened at a mouse.
You pretend the public but intend yourself.
You pretend to be a visitor, but are really a spy.