A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese
in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. ‘That’s for me,
as I am a Fox,’ said Master Reynard, and he walked up to
the foot of the tree. ‘Good-day, Mistress Crow,’ he cried.
‘How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your
feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must
surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me
hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the
Queen of Birds.’ The Crow lifted up her head and began
to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth
the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped
up by Master Fox. ‘That will do,’ said he. ‘That was all I
wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a
piece of advice for the future
Moral Lesson: Do not trust flatterers.
―
Aesop
