The Raven and the Fox

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 Phoenix 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.