FABLES. 



219 



THE COCK AND THE FOX. 



A Cock, perched upon a lofty tree, crowed so 

 loud, that his voice echoed through the wood, and 

 drew to the place a Eox, who was prowling in 

 quest of prey. But Reynard finding the Cock was 

 inaccessible, had recourse to stratagem to decoy 

 him down. Approaching the tree, Cousin, says he, 

 I am heartily glad to see you ; but I cannot forbear 

 expressing my uneasiness at the inconvenience of 

 the place, which will not let me pay my respects to 

 you in a better manner, though I suppose you will 

 come down presently, and that difficulty will be 

 removed. Indeed, cousin, says the Cock, to tell 

 you the truth, I do not think it safe to venture upon 

 the ground; for, though I am convinced how much 

 you are my friend, yet I may have the misfortune 

 to fall into the clutches of some other beast, and 



