Master Crow, perched proudly
upon the branch of a tree,
held in his beak
a most delicious piece of cheese.

Mistress Fox, enchanted
by its tempting scent,
immediately devised
a clever little scheme.

"Good morning, dear Mr. Crow,
my noble and handsome friend!
What grace, what elegance,
what splendid feathers you possess!

Everyone in these parts
speaks of your charm and dignity.
They say your song
is worthy of your magnificent wings.

And if your voice is equal
to your beauty and your bearing,
then surely you are
the Phoenix of the forest,
the king of all its birds."

At these sweet words,
the Crow lost his senses.
Eager to display his voice,
he opened his beak wide—

and down fell the cheese.

The Fox quickly seized it
and, with a sly smile, said:

"My dear Mr. Crow,
remember this well:
those who listen too eagerly
to flatterers are easily deceived.

And the lesson I have taught you today
is worth precisely
the price of this cheese."

The Crow stood speechless and ashamed,
realizing his foolishness,
and swore, though somewhat late,
never to be caught
by such a trick again.