'The Fox and the Cock'

'The Cock and the Fox', an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

in Aesop's Fables, Jonathan Cape, 1989, page 57.

The Text:

The Fox and the Cock who told him that Hounds were near

An experienced old Cock was settling himself to roost upon a high bough, when a Fox appeared under the tree. I am come, said the artful hypocrite, to acquaint you, in the name of all my brethren, that a general peace is concluded between your whole family and ours. Descend immediately, I beseech you, that we may mutually embrace upon so joyful and unexpected an event. 

My good friend, replied the Cock, nothing could be more agreeable to me than this news; and to hear it from you increases my satisfaction. But I perceive two hounds at a distance coming this way who are probably dispatched as couriers with the treaty: as they run very swiftly, and will certainly be here in a few minutes. I will wait their arrival, that we may all four embrace together. 

Reynard well knew, if that was the case, it was no time for him to remain there any longer: pretending therefore to be in great haste - Adieu, said he, for the present; we will reserve our rejoicings to another opportunity: upon which he darted into the woods with all imaginable expedition. 

Old Chanticleer no sooner saw him depart, than he crowed abundantly in the triumph of his artifice: for by a harmless stratagem to disappoint the malevolent intentions of those who are endeavouring to deceive us to our ruin, is not only innocent but laudable.

Moral: Deceiving the deceiver in self-defence doubles the pleasure.

Text: Robert Dodsley (1/46, 1761 [1824])

Selected Parallels:  La Fontaine 2/15. L’Estrange 353. Perry 671 (Fox and Dove).  TMI J1421