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.