38. Aesop's Fables - The Fox and the Crow

There was a large tree in forest. The tree was dwelled by many birds and animals such as monkeys, squirrel among others.

There lived a crow on the tree. One day the crow flew far to see new places and roam around. On its way, the crow flew over a village. It looked a prosperous village, so the crow decided to stop by and search some food.

The crow found a large piece of cheese in yard of a house. It took the piece of cheese in its beak and flew back to its nest in the forest. There lived a fox in the forest. That day the forest came around the tree in search of food. It was a hot noon and the fox sat down under the tree for resting. 

When the fox saw the crow flying down towards the tree, with the large piece of cheese in its mouth; she was tempted. She said to herself, 'this cheese belongs to be, because I am the fox'.

Soon as the crow perched the tree, the fox stood up and said, 'Friend,  its been a long time since I saw or heard you, so I thought I should come to see you myself'.

The crow nodded proudly, without opening its mouth.

The fox was very clever and prompted the crow. She said, 'Friend, it is nice to see that you have grown beautiful since I last saw you. You plumage is all the more glistering. But its been months since the forest inhabitants have heard you. I plead my friend, that you sing for us today. You voice pleases the entire forest and I am sure the forest will glorify you as the Queen of Birds for your incredible voice'.

The crow was carried away by the fox's flattering words. He was delighted. He lifted his head and began to caw at the peak of the voice. Soon as he had opened his mouth for singing, the piece of cheese fell down from his mouth. The fox lept over and snapped the cheese. The crow wet on cawing, while the fix ate the cheese and quietly disappeared.

After sometime, the crow came to his senses and discovered that the cheese and the fox were missing. The crow lamented over his foolishness and vowed to himself, ' I shall never trust flatterers. 

Moral: Do not trust flatterers.