Upon an oak-limb sat a crow,
Holding some luscious cheese,
Which drew a hungry fox below
Changing cajoleries.
“O noble bird! O glorious queen
Of an on foot or wing!
You should be heard as well as seen.
How sweetly you must sing!”
The crow, puffed up, immediately pleased,
Opened her bill to craw.
Down fell the cheese, which Reynard seizures
With swift and snapping jaw.
“Dear bird, beware,” the thief went on,
“The soft and flattering phrase.
For often poison dwells upon
The honeyed lips of praise.”
