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.
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