The Fox and the Crow

Once a Fox saw a Crow flying off with a piece of
cheese in his mouth and settled herself in the
branches of the trees. 

"That's for me, as I am a Fox," said the Fox,
and he walked up to the top 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."