The Clever Crow and the Envious Fox

Once upon a time, in a forest brimming with life, there lived a clever crow named Cora. She was known far and wide for her intelligence and her sharp wit. One sunny morning, Cora found a delicious piece of cheese lying on the ground. Delighted with her find, she picked it up in her beak and flew to the top of a tall tree to enjoy her meal.

A sly fox named Felix, who was prowling nearby, saw Cora with the cheese and his mouth watered. He wanted that cheese for himself but knew that Cora was too clever to simply give it up. Felix decided to use his cunning to get what he wanted.

"Oh, beautiful Cora!" Felix called up to the crow. "Your feathers are so glossy and your eyes so bright! Surely, you must have the most melodious voice in the whole forest! If only you would sing for me, I would be so happy!"

Cora knew that Felix was up to something, but she couldn't resist the chance to outwit him. So, she nodded and placed the cheese securely under her foot. Then, she opened her beak and let out the loudest, most raucous caw she could muster.

Felix winced at the harsh sound but didn't give up. "Surely, that was just a warm-up, Cora!" he said. "A bird as lovely as you must have a sweeter song."

Cora cawed even louder, making sure to keep a tight grip on the cheese. Felix, growing frustrated, tried flattery one last time. "Oh, Cora, you are truly the queen of all birds! If you sing one more note, I am sure all the animals of the forest will come to admire your beauty and talent!"

But Cora was not fooled. She knew Felix wanted her to drop the cheese, so she simply shook her head and cawed one final time, loud enough to send Felix scampering away with his tail between his legs.

As the fox disappeared into the woods, Cora chuckled to herself. "Flattery may work on some," she thought, "but not on those who keep their wits about them."

And with that, she enjoyed her cheese in peace, knowing that cleverness and caution are the best defense against sly tricks.

Moral: Flattery is a trap for the unwary, but those who remain wise will never fall for deceit.