In antient times, the nation of Frogs lived an easy free life among
their lakes and ponds; but at length grew dissatisfied with such a
continuance of undisturbed tranquillity, and petitioned Jupiter for
a king. Jupiter smiled at their folly, and threw them down a log of
wood, and with a thundering voice said, “there is a king for you.” With
this, and the sudden splash it made in the water, they were at first
quite panic-struck, and for some time durst not put their heads up; but
by degrees they ventured to take a peep, and at length even to leap
upon the log. Not being pleased with so tame and insipid a king, they
again petitioned Jupiter for another, who would exert more authority.
Jupiter, disgusted at their importunate folly, sent them a Stork for
their king, who, without ceremony, eat them up whenever his craving
appetite required a supply.