A cock, perched among the branches of a lofty tree, crowed loudly. The shrillness of his voice echoed through the woods, and the well-known sound brought a fox, who was prowling in quest of prey, to the spot.
 The fox tries to lure Chantecler to the ground with talk of universal brotherhood |
He greeted the bird in his gentlest voice and said, Have you not heard, dear cousin, of the proclamation of universal peace and harmony among all the different beasts and birds? We are no longer to prey upon and devour one another, but love and friendship are to be the order of the day. Do come down, and we will talk over this great news at our leisure.
The cock, who suspected that the fox was only up to his old tricks, pretended to be watching something in the distance. The fox asked him what it was he looked at so earnestly.
Why, said the cock, I think I see a pack of hounds yonder.
Oh, then, said the fox, I must be gone.
Why, dear cousin, said the cock, pray do not go. I am just coming down. You are surely not afraid of dogs in these peaceable times.
No, no, said the fox. But they may not have heard of the proclamation yet!
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