A CROW, one day, stole a nice bit of cheese,
And flew up in a tree to eat it at her ease.
A sly young Fox, who was passing below,
Saw her as she flew, and he said, "Oh, ho!
Madam Crow."
"What a fine bird you are, with your feathers so gay!
As brilliant as the rainbow, and fairer than the day.
If your voice is as sweet as your form would show,
Then sing me a song: pray don't say 'No,'
Madam Crow."
The crow began her song, when down fell the cheese:
The fox sprang and caught it as quickly as you please;
And as he trotted off, he said, "Oh, ho!
That is just what I wanted. I'll go,
Madam Crow."