A fox saw a crow land in a nearby tree. The crow had a large piece of cheese in its beak. “I’ll have that for myself,” said the fox, and he approached the tree and addressed the crow thus:

“I must say I have never witnessed a landing as graceful and elegant, not by a crow, at least,” he began. “How is it you are so much more talented than the others?”

The crow glanced at the fox, but did not speak. “And as for your plumage,” the fox continued. “I don’t believe there can ever have been feathers so glossy and dark. Tell me, what is your secret?”

Still the bird would not reply. “Too humble to boast of your qualities, eh?” the fox persisted. “Or is that your voice is so coarse and ugly it would spoil the otherwise superb impression you make on the world? I bet that’s what it is, isn’t it?”

Finally, the crow tilted its head and, in a single motion, swallowed half the cheese while letting the other half drop to the ground in front of the fox. “There you go,” it said. “And next time, if you want something, just ask.”

The fox sniffed the cheese. “Smells off,” he remarked. “And your voice is as plain and ordinary as the rest of you.”

© Richard Parkin 2026

Further reading: Misadventures in the Land of Fables #66