The Raven and the Fox
Fable de Jean de la Fontaine
 Fables of la Fontaine > Book I > The Raven and the Fox |
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| Perched on a lofty oak, Sir Raven held a lunch of cheese; Sir Fox, who smelt it in the breeze, Thus to the holder spoke: "Ha! how do you do, Sir Raven? Well, your coat, sir, is a brave one! So black and glossy, on my word, sir, With voice to match, you were a bird, sir, Well fit to be the Phoenix of these days." Sir Raven, overset with praise, Must show how musical his croak. Down fell the luncheon from the oak; Which snatching up, Sir Fox thus spoke: "The flatterer, my good sir, Aye lives on his listener; Which lesson, if you please, Is doubtless worth the cheese." A bit too late, Sir Raven swore The rogue should never cheat him more. |
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