There once was a handsome rooster who stood every morning on the highest branch of a tree in the farmyard, looking out calmly over the land. A cunning fox watched him from afar, dreaming of catching him for a meal, but he could never reach him.

One day, the fox approached the tree with a wide smile and called up to the rooster in a friendly voice, 'My dear rooster, I have wonderful news! All the animals have agreed to a peace treaty — no one needs to fear anyone anymore. Come down and celebrate this happy news with me!'

The rooster sensed the trick right away, but he pretended to be delighted. 'What wonderful news indeed!' he said. Then, stretching his neck as if looking far into the distance, he added, 'And look — I see two dogs coming this way. They must be coming to celebrate the peace with us too!'

The moment the fox heard the word 'dogs,' he forgot all about the supposed peace treaty and dashed away from the tree as fast as his legs could carry him.

The rooster laughed from his high perch and called after him, 'Why are you running, my friend, if there is truly peace?' The fox realized he had fallen for the rooster's clever trick, and slunk away, embarrassed by his own foolishness.

The story spread among the farmyard animals, and everyone admired the rooster's wisdom — he had protected himself not with fear, but with calm, quick thinking.

The Lesson: Never trust sweet words from someone who wishes you harm; calm, clever thinking protects you from deception.