The fox and the Crow
  

One morning a plain black crow sat on a branch holding in his beak a delicious piece of cheese. Along came a fox, who had smelled the delicious cheese. The fox came and stood under the tree, and bowed politely to the crow. Good morning, my friend ;said the fox. 

How well you are looking today! 

The crow was very pleasant at this, but of course could not reply because of the cheese he held in his mouth. 

Your eyes are the most beautiful I have seen, the fox went on. And, as for your feathers, how black and glossy they are! The crow was even more pleasant, but still said nothing. He just sat on his branch and swelled with pride. But the fox went on. 

I have been told, he continued, how beautifully you sing, and I should like so much to hear you!  

Your voice could not possibly be so lovely as your feathers , but if it were, why, you would be the most wonderful bird  of the whole forest. 

Do sing just a few notes for me, won’t you? This was too much for the crow. He opened his beak wide, cawed loudly, and dropped the cheese right into the mouth of the waiting fox. 

Thank you so much, said the fox, gobbling up the cheese. Your song was very ugly, but your cheese was so delicious. Another time, perhaps you won’t be so ready to believe all the good things you hear about yourself. And, with a wave of his tail, he trotted gaily off into the woods.