The Frogs Asking for a King

The Frogs Asking for a King

THE FROGS, grieved at having no established Ruler, sent ambassadors to

Jupiter entreating for a King. Perceiving their simplicity, he cast

down a huge log into the lake. The Frogs were terrified at the splash

occasioned by its fall and hid themselves in the depths of the pool.

But as soon as they realized that the huge log was motionless, they

swam again to the top of the water, dismissed their fears, climbed up,

and began squatting on it in contempt. After some time they began to

think themselves ill-treated in the appointment of so inert a Ruler,

and sent a second deputation to Jupiter to pray that he would set over

them another sovereign. He then gave them an Eel to govern them. When

the Frogs discovered his easy good nature, they sent yet a third time

to Jupiter to beg him to choose for them still another King. Jupiter,

displeased with all their complaints, sent a Heron, who preyed upon the

Frogs day by day till there were none left to croak upon the lake.