Trouble in Ruritania
King Andrew of Ruritania was afflicted with megalomania, and the people
of his country suffered, as a result. After 10 years of his profligate
rule, the treasury was bankrupt, unemployment was rampant, domestic trifle
was mounting, and the number of king's opponents who were incarcerated was
legion. Following a bloodless coup, his nephew, prince Schubert, took 
command of the poor country.

to play possum--Sensing that his life was in jeopardy, the hunter played possum
until the voracious lion disappeared.
(to try to fool someone; to make believe one is asleep or dead)