The Fox and the Crow

A FOX once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. "That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot 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 he future—

Do not trust flatterers"

From The Fox and the Crow by Aesop, translated by Joseph Jacobs (1894). Public domain.

Check your understanding

1. What does the Fox mean when he says the Crow's voice must 'surpass' that of other birds?

Be louder thanBe worse thanBe better thanBe quieter than

2. Why does the Fox ask the Crow to sing?

He wants to hear beautiful music.He wants her to drop the cheese.He wants to crown her Queen of Birds.He wants to become her friend.

3. Look at the words the Fox uses to greet the Crow (such as 'glossy,' 'bright,' and 'Queen of Birds'). Why does he use these specific words?

4. After getting the cheese, the Fox tells the Crow, 'Do not trust flatterers.' What does this statement reveal about the Fox's character?

5. Compare the Crow's situation at the very beginning of the fable to the very end. How does her reaction to the Fox's words cause this change?