The Raven and the Fox

A Raven held in his claws a piece of poisoned flesh, which an angry gardener had laid, in order to kill his neighbour’s Cats.

He flew upon the top of an oak, and was going to eat his prey, when a Fox crept softly to the foot of the tree, and cries out to him; I salute thee, Oh, noble bird of Jove! Whom dost thou take me for? demanded the Raven. Whom? said the Fox; art thou not the swift, majestic Eagle, that descendest every day from the right hand of the Thunderer, upon this oak, in order to feed me, unworthy as I am? wherefore dost thou endeavour to disguise thyself? do I not see in thy triumphant talons, the present my prayers have obtained, and which thy great master continues to send me by thee.

The Raven, surprized at this, is inwardly pleased to be taken for an Eagle, and says within himself, let me keep up my supposed dignity, and not let the Fox see his mistake.

Generously foolish, he lets fall the piece of flesh, and flies proudly into the air.

The Fox seized it, while he despised the giver, and eat it with a malicious joy; but his joy is soon turned into sadness. The poison takes effect and kills him.

Detestable flatterers, may your praises ever meet the like reward!