Part 1: A Feathered Friend on High Alert
The Cock and the Fox Story: High atop a cozy coop, Reginald the Rooster stretched his wings and crowed a mighty “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” As the first rays of dawn painted the sky pink and orange, Reginald surveyed his domain. He wasn’t just any rooster; he was the guardian of the coop, responsible for keeping his fellow hens safe.
Suddenly, a flash of red fur caught his eye. Reynard the Fox, notorious for his sly tricks and sharp teeth, was slinking around the farmyard. Reginald’s feathers ruffled with suspicion. This wasn’t good.
Part 2: A Sly Proposition (The Cock and the Fox)
Reynard, sensing Reginald’s watchful gaze, stopped and plastered a sickeningly sweet smile on his face.
“Good morning, esteemed Reginald,” Reynard called out in a voice dripping with false sincerity. “What a glorious day it is! The sun shines brightly, the birds sing sweetly, and…” he paused dramatically, “…a new era of peace has been declared between all creatures, great and small!”
Reginald, a rooster of keen wit, wasn’t easily fooled. He cocked his head, his bright eyes narrowed in doubt. “Peace, you say? That’s quite a claim, Reynard. Foxes are known for their fondness for plump chickens, wouldn’t you agree?”
Part 3: A Song of Doubt
Reynard chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Reginald’s spine. “My dear fellow,” he said, his tone turning patronizing, “those are but outdated rumors! Haven’t you heard the news? The animals of the forest have gathered and decided to live in harmony. Why, just yesterday, I shared a delicious breakfast of berries with Beatrice the Badger!”
Reginald let out a hearty crow. “Berries for breakfast? Now that’s a sight I’d pay to see!” A flicker of amusement crossed his eyes, but his sharp gaze remained fixed on the sly fox.
“Perhaps there’s some truth to your words,” Reginald conceded, pretending to be swayed. “But tell me, Reynard, if this peace treaty is real, why then are you skulking around our coop?”
Part 4: A Trap Revealed (The Cock and the Fox)
Reynard’s smile faltered for a brief moment, a tiny crack in his facade. He quickly recovered, though, and waved a dismissive paw. “Skulking? My dear Reginald, you wound me! I was merely admiring your fine coop, a true marvel of avian architecture. And speaking of marvels,” he continued, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone, “have you heard the rumors about the magnificent golden jewel the King is offering to the creature who promotes peace the most?”
Reginald feigned interest, tilting his head further. “A golden jewel, you say? That sounds rather… tempting.”
Reynard leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. “Imagine, Reginald, the most respected rooster in the land! Think of the stories the chicks would tell about your wisdom! All you have to do is sing a song of peace from the top of the coop, and the jewel is practically yours!”
A slow smile spread across Reginald’s face. This was the answer he’d been waiting for. It was clear Reynard was up to his old tricks, trying to lure him down for an easy meal. But Reginald, the clever rooster, had a plan of his own.
Part 5: A Crow’s Triumph
Reginald puffed out his chest, his red comb glowing with a mischievous glint. “A song of peace, you say? Why, that sounds like a most noble task! I wouldn’t want to disappoint the King, would I?”
Reynard’s tail swished excitedly. This was it! The plump rooster was practically hopping down into his waiting jaws. He couldn’t help but let out a smug chuckle.
“Excellent choice, my feathered friend!” Reynard exclaimed, barely containing his glee. “Let your voice ring out and usher in this new era of peace!”
Reginald cleared his throat dramatically. He stretched his neck high, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Just as Reynard inched closer, anticipation bubbling over, Reginald erupted in a loud, clear crow.
“Cock-a-doodle-doo! Danger lurks below! Beware the cunning fox with a heart full of woe!”
The booming crow echoed across the farmyard, shattering the morning peace. Reynard, caught off guard, froze in his tracks. He looked up to see the farmer’s wife rushing out with a broom in hand, her face a picture of fury.
With a yelp, Reynard bolted, his bushy tail disappearing around the corner of the barn. Reginald crowed triumphantly, his fellow hens clucking in relief.
Moral of the Story: The Cock and the Fox
This classic tale teaches children the importance of caution and not being fooled by flattery. It reminds us to be observant and question things that seem too good to be true. Just like Reginald, we should always be on the lookout for danger and use our wit to stay safe.
Summary: The Cock and the Fox
The story follows Reginald, a clever rooster, who outsmarts Reynard the cunning fox. Reynard tries to trick Reginald down from the coop by claiming a new era of peace has begun. However, Reginald remains suspicious and uses his crow to alert the farmer’s wife, sending Reynard running away with his tail between his legs.
Read More: The Wolf and the Crane: A Story About Greed and Gratitude
