A hungry crow once found a delicious piece of cheese on the ground and, eager to eat it, flew up and perched on a tree branch. The crow settled there, holding the cheese in its beak and ready to feast.
Not far away, a sly fox was roaming through the forest. Its nose caught the scent of the cheese, and seeing the crow perched on the branch, the fox immediately began to hatch a plan.
The fox, being clever and crafty, approached the tree where the crow was sitting. Looking up at the crow, the fox began speaking in a sweet voice: “Oh, what a magnificent bird you are! Your feathers are so glossy and beautiful, your wings are so strong and graceful, and your eyes gleam like precious jewels! I’ve heard of your great reputation, but no one ever told me that you also possess the most beautiful voice. I can only imagine what a delightful song you must sing! I would be so honored to hear you sing.”
The crow, flattered by the fox’s praise and eager to prove its talents, puffed up its chest. It thought to itself, “If the fox admires my singing so much, I must sing a song worthy of such a compliment.”
So, the crow opened its beak wide and began to sing as loudly and proudly as it could. However, as it did so, the piece of cheese fell from its beak and dropped to the ground below.
The fox, quick as ever, darted forward, picked up the cheese, and swallowed it with delight. Looking up at the crow, it smiled slyly and said, “Thank you, dear crow, for both the sweet song and the delicious treat. Your song was as sweet as your cheese!”
The crow, realizing it had been tricked, felt embarrassed and foolish. It had lost both its cheese and its dignity because it was too easily flattered.