Aesop's Fables

the fox and_the crow

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 .' do_not trust flatterers .'