The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that
just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and
nobody troubling with them. But some of them thought that this was
not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution,
so they determined to send up a petition to Jove to give them what
they wanted.
"Mighty Jove," they cried, "send unto us a king that
will rule over us and keep us in order." Jove laughed at their
croaking, and threw down into the swamp a huge Log, which came down
splashing into the swamp. The Frogs were frightened out of their lives
by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to
look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing that it did
not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the
Log, and even dared to touch it; still it did not move
. Then the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced
dancing up and down upon it, thereupon all the Frogs came and did
the same; and for some time the Frogs went about their business every
day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying
in their midst.
But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Jove,
and said to him, "We want a real king; one that will really rule
over us." Now this made Jove angry, so he sent among them a big
Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented
when too late.
Better no rule than cruel rule.
