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 toward 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 sometime the Frogs went about their business
every day without taking the slightest notice of the 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.”