The fox is a very clever animal.
He can get whatever he needs.
He can eat whatever he wants.
Being clever all the time was not easy for the fox.
It was a lot of hard work.
So he really needed his rest.
The fox took a nap every afternoon.
One afternoon, the fox was awakened from his nap.
It was a crow.
She was carrying a big piece of cheese in her beak.
The fox stared at the cheese.
"Look at that cheese," he said to himself.
"I'm sure it tastes delicious.
I must have some of that cheese!"
The fox thought and thought.
Finally, he had an idea.
The fox pretended to be asleep.
The fox stretched his body.
"Ahh," he yawned loudly.
The fox looked up at the crow.
Then he put his hand upon his heart.
"Oh, hello. Am I still dreaming?" the fox asked aloud.
"You are the most beautiful crow I have ever seen!"
The crow was embarrassed.
She did not know what to say.
The fox continued, "Look at your feathers.
They shine like the sun!"
The crow spread her wings a little more.
"Your eyes are bright like the moon," the fox admired.
The crow opened her eyes wide.
"Such a beautiful bird must have a beautiful voice."
The fox slyly looked at the crow.
"How I would love to hear a song from you!
Then I will call you Queen of the Birds!"
The crow held up her head high.
She opened her mouth, and out came a loud caw.
"Caw! Caw! Caw!" she cried.
At the same time, out dropped the piece of cheese.
The fox quickly jumped up and caught the cheese in his mouth.
The crow stopped singing.
"Oh, my cheese!" she cried out.
But it was too late.
The fox got what he wanted.
"Your voice is good," the fox finally said, "but let me give you some advice.
Don't trust those who flatter you!"