The Fox Who Praised the Hare (Aesop)

A fox with flowing tail did race,
For close behind a dog gave chase.

As now the fox his end did fear,
A hare did suddenly appear.

The fox called out, “Don’t miss your chance!”
And at the hare did throw a glance.

“Hey dog, that hare is quite a dish –
More tender meat you could not wish.

Such tasty flesh – beyond compare.
Go hurry now and catch the hare!”

My meat is old, and hard to chew.
It’s rotten now and tainted too.

Why, just one bite might do the trick –
To poison you and make you sick.”

The dog indeed the hare pursued,
In hopes of tasting such fine food.

The hare was fresh, and won the race;
The dog could not keep up the pace.

The hare was lost beyond a hill.
The tired dog was hungry still.

Upon another summer day,
The hare did see the fox at play,

And said, “Good fox, though you are wise,
I think you should apologize.

Your words that day about my taste
Did nearly end my life with haste!”

The fox replied in calming tone,
“Good hare, why would you think to moan?

Have you not thought these last few days,
I only gave you highest praise.

The words I spoke, they were not lies,
And neither did I criticize.”

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Beware, the praise you now receive
May someday cause for you to grieve.