Beware of Flatterers - Crow and Fox

Flattery is an art. The flatterer knows whom to flatter, how to flatter and when to flatter. They call it tactics of business; tactics of dealing with persons. This is the way you please others without losing anything. But good flatterers don’t flatter anyone without any motive. They do so with a hidden motive and once the motive is achieved, they tactfully take a turn. The story of a fox and crow is an illustration of such a flattery.

A crow was sitting on a branch of a tree. It had brought a piece of cheese in its beak and had plans to eat it comfortably sitting on the branch. But before he could do so, a fox happened to pass that way. She saw the crow and more than that she took note of the cheese in its beak. The foxes are clever. She straightaway addressed the crow. Hello dear! How’re you. Since long we have not met. I still remember your melodious voice and the beautiful way you sing. The crow was flattered and smiled. The box went on saying, would you mind, singing a few words for me again. Please do it. I’m feeling so lonely. The crow was now not only falttered but flattened. Acceding to her request, he decided to oblige her and to sing for her. He opened his beak and cried caw, caw. How hoarseful the voice was you can imagine yourself. But the good thing for the fox was that the piece of cheese fell down. She wasted no time, rushed towards it, grabbed it and swallowed at once. Her purpose was fulfilled. She said thank you dear. I’m so grateful to you. But now I am in a hurry and I must leave. I’ll hear you again afterwards. Thanks a lot.

My only advice is that be clever like a fox but don’t be a fool like the crow. A smile for a smile, should be the principle in life.