An ape's an ape, a varlet's a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet

A varlet was formerly a menial servant, but the word also took on the sense of ‘scoundrel’ or ‘rogue’. Scarlet was the colour of the official or ceremonial dress of various dignitaries, including judges. Cf. [Lucian Adversus Indoctum 4] ρίθηκος ὁ ρίθηκος‥κἃν χρυσέα ἕχη σύμβολα, an ape is an ape‥even if it has gold insignia; [Erasmus Adages i. vii.] simia simia est, etiamsi aurea gestet insignia.

An ape is an ape although she weare badges of golde.
[1539 R. Taverner tr. Erasmus'Adages 21]

An Ape's an Ape, A Varlett's a Varlett, Though they be cladd in silk, or scarlett.
[1659 J. Howell Proverbs (English) i]

An Ape's an Ape: a Varlet's a Varlet, Tho' they be clad in Silk or Scarlet.
[1732 T. Fuller Gnomologia no. 6391]

The naked ape is in danger of‥forgetting that beneath the surface gloss he is still very much a primate. (‘An ape's an ape, a varlet's a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet.’) Even a space ape must urinate.
[1967 D. Morris Naked Ape i.]

Related to: appearance, deceptive; nature and nurture

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