MASTER RAVEN sate perched on the top of a tree,
A cheese stuffed the beak of this sable marauder;
Allured by the smell, Master Fox came to see
What it was through the air spread so tempting an odour.
When thus he began: "Ah, Sir Ralph!—a good morning:
How charming you look, and how tasteful your dress!
These bright, glossy plumes, your fine person adorning,
Produce an effect which I cannot express.
Colours glaring and tawdry were never my choice;
When I view them, disgust is my only sensation:
If you join to that plumage a mellow-toned voice,
You're the Phoenix, I vow, of the feathered creation."
The Raven, cajoled, ope'd his beak of vast size.
To give his new friend a sweet sample of croaking;
In the jaws of sly Renard down dropped the rich prize;
Who then took his leave, with this lecture provoking:
"Honest Ralph, this conclusion the premises follows:
Give me leave your attention this maxim to press on:
He who flatters will cheat the vain blockhead who swallows.
At the price of a cheese 'tis a very cheap lesson."
The Raven, ashamed, swore a little too late.
Nevermore he'd be caught by so worthless a bait.
(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. II, No. 15. Anonymous translation.)
