@rynow, consider for a moment that the fox is manipulative, but not vindictively so...he has tricked the crow to be sure, in order to secure a morsel of food, thereby ensuring his own sustenance, while simultaneously allowing the crow to continue living...being the sly fox that he undoubtedly is, had he wanted to, he very well could have manipulated the crow into coming within the "danger zone" of being captured and eaten, but he didn't, he had no interest in harming the crow, simply surviving for another day off as little as possible...now, the crow on the other hand, was without a doubt greedy, and teasingly so...she secured a morsel of cheese, and knowing that foxes cannot fly, she elected to engage in a brief rest stop on a nearby branch along the way...she knew the fox would see her, and she had no intention of sharing, she simply sat there gazing with that one awful eye until the fox said something...thinking she had gained the upper hand she opened her mouth to announce her victory...and that is when defeat reared its ugly mug and sealed the fate of this here fable.

Just some food for thought...a different perspective...have a great day!