A fox and a ape conspire to defraud the gullible sheep of their wool, only to be outwitted by the very system they sought to exploit. The narrative follows the cunning machinations of the Fox and the Ape as they devise elaborate schemes to swindle the innocent sheep. Their plan involves a series of deceptions, including false promises of protection and the manipulation of the sheep's trust. However, their avarice and overconfidence lead to their downfall when their own tricks are turned against them, exposing their villainy and resulting in their punishment.

Prosopopoia, or, Mother Hubberds tale, is recognized as a significant work within Edmund Spenser's oeuvre, often studied for its sharp social and political satire. The poem's allegorical nature, using animal characters to critique the corruption and sycophancy prevalent in Elizabethan England, is a key point of analysis for scholars. Its complex language and meter are noted as characteristic of Spenser's poetic style, presenting a challenge and a reward for readers. The work is generally appreciated for its biting wit and its enduring commentary on the nature of power and deceit.