Aesop's Fables

The Fox and_the Crow

aFox once saw aCrow fly off with apiece of cheese in its beak and settle on abranch of atree .`That's for_me, as I_am aFox,' 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 apiece of advice for_the future .' do_not trust flatterers .'