High in an oak tree, black as night, Crow had found a cheese so white. She held it tight within her beak, A tasty prize, a golden streak.

She settled on her branch up high, Beneath the warm and sunny sky. "What luck!" she thought with quiet pride, "This treasure's mine!" she sighed.

The morning breeze blew soft and sweet, The cheese smelled rich, a perfect treat. Crow looked around with happy eyes, No one to share her precious prize.

Then along came Fox below, Padding soft and walking slow. He spied the cheese and stopped to stare, His stomach grumbled, throat felt bare.

His nose twitched at that tasty smell, His crafty mind began to dwell: "I must have that delicious treat, But how? What trick? What clever feat?"

With a grin and eyes that gleamed, Fox looked up and sweetly schemed. "Oh, what a lovely bird!" he cried, "The finest I have seen!" he sighed.

"Your feathers shine like midnight jewels! Your form is perfect, breaks all rules! Such grace! Such poise! Such regal charm! You could surely do no harm!"

"But tell me, dearest Crow above, A bird so fair, a gentle dove -- Does your voice match all this beauty? Oh, won't you sing? It's your duty!"

Crow's heart swelled up with vanity, She puffed her chest, felt fancy-free. "I'll show this Fox my voice divine!" She thought, "My song will really shine!"

"He's right!" she mused, "I am quite grand! The finest bird in all the land! And surely my melodious song Will prove that Fox is not wrong!"

She opened wide -- "CAW! CAW! CAW!" Down fell the cheese through leaves and breeze!

Fox snapped it up and laughed with glee, "Oh, silly bird up in that tree! Sweet words mean nothing, I must say, When someone wants to steal away."

He trotted off with cheese in jaw, While Crow sat stunned by what she saw.

When praise is poured on much too thick, Hold tight to what you have -- don't fall for tricks! Those who flatter want something dear, Keep your treasures safe and near.

The Fox and the Crow