The Fox and the Crow: A Classic Tale of Flattery and Deception

A Clever Plan for Breakfast

The Fox and the Crow: Early one morning, a hungry fox wandered through the woods, searching for something to eat. His eyes spotted a crow perched on the highest branch of a tree, holding a piece of cheese in her beak.

A Devious Idea

“Mmm… I love cheese!” thought the fox. “This could be my breakfast!” He pondered how he could get the cheese from the crow. After some thought, he devised a clever plan:

“I’ll make her talk!”

The Fox’s Flattery

The fox sat at the bottom of the tree and gazed up at the crow. “Good morning, Miss Crow!” he called out. “It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?”

The crow glanced down but remained silent.

“I said, good morning!” persisted the fox. “Maybe you can’t hear me up there…”

The crow, suspicious, kept her beak tightly shut around the cheese.

A New Approach

Not giving up, the fox smiled and began to flatter the crow. “You know… you really are the most beautiful bird. Your feathers are so shiny, your eyes are so intelligent, and your beak is so… umm… pointy! Everything about you is perfect!”

Despite the fox’s flattery, the crow remained silent.

The Tempting Offer

The fox continued, “Tell me, Miss Crow… is your voice also magnificent? I’ve heard you have the most wonderful voice. Please sing for me! Just one song, and I will tell everyone that you are the queen of all birds!”

The crow, flattered and eager to show off, smiled a little. Then she smiled widely and opened her mouth to sing her best song.

The Trick Revealed

As the crow began to sing, the cheese fell from her beak and plopped straight into the fox’s mouth. He swallowed it in one gulp and exclaimed, “Mmmmmm! Thank you for the delicious breakfast, Miss Crow!”

The fox laughed and walked away, leaving the crow stunned.