The Raven and the Fox

The Raven and the Fox is a classic French fable by Jean de La Fontaine. This tale of cunning and trickery presents the story of a raven who, despite having outsmarted a whole host of other animals, falls victim to the crafty fox's flattery. As a cautionary tale, it highlights the perils of vanity and the often deceptive nature of flattery through engaging animal characters, making it an enjoyable and valuable read for both children and adults.

• Fable

								
Master Raven, perched upon a tree,
Held in his beak a savoury piece of cheese;
Its pleasant odour, borne upon the breeze,
Allured Sir Reynard, with his flattery.
"Ha! Master Raven, 'morrow to you, sir;
How black and glossy! now, upon my word,
I never--beautiful! I do aver.
If but your voice becomes your coat, no bird
More fit to be the Phœnix of our wood--
I hope, sir, I am understood?"
The Raven, flattered by the praise,
Opened his spacious beak, to show his ways
Of singing: down the good cheese fell.
Quick the Fox snapped it. "My dear sir, 'tis well,"
He said. "Know that a flatterer lives
On him to whom his praise he gives;
And, my dear neighbour, an' you please,
This lesson's worth a slice of cheese."--
The Raven, vexed at his consenting,
Flew off, too late in his repenting.
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