I got it. It’s just a saying. Like one of those Aesop’s fable morals. In the end of the story, since they didn’t pay the piper for removing the rats from their town, the piper led the children away (I guess when he blos his pipe the rats—and then kids—follow him).
So...
It has become a saying...
One has to pay the piper, or worse things may happen.
It is part of our culture. You’ve really never heard that saying?
Try these:
A stich in time, saves nine.
Practice makes perfect.
A bird in the hand is worth two in a bush.
A man is known by the company he keeps.
All is fair in love and war.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Etc, Etc.
Really, if we no longer understand our culturalisms as Americans or English speakers, then our culture is over.
How could anyone give a list of sayings and forget the most important one
“It’s better to be pissed off than pissed on”