animal figures Master of Flattery The fox wins by his smooth talk He praises Chauntecleer s singing and says he has a voice As any aungel hath that is in hevene As has any angel that is in heaven These false words please the proud cock Chauntecleer stretches his neck closes his eyes and begins to crow At once Sir Russel jumps up and catches him by the throat Through this event Chaucer laughs at those who love praise more than truth Punished by His Own Pride At last the fox himself becomes a fool When Chauntecleer tricks him by saying turn again he opens his mouth to speak Then the cock escapes The yard fills with noise and Sir Russel runs back to the grove in shame His cleverness turns to failure Chaucer teaches that flattery and deceit never win for long Sir Russel the fox is a symbol of false friendship and pride His sweet words bring trouble to others and finally to himself Chaucer s fox makes us laugh but he also reminds us to beware of smooth tongues