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.