The Frogs Desiring A King |
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The Frogs Desiring A King
The Frogs Desiring A King
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 - kerplash - 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 Frygs 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."
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