The Frogs were living as happy as they could in a marshy pool that just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and nobody troubling with them.
But some of them thought that this wasn't right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they determined to send up a appeal to Jupiter to give them what they wanted.
"Mighty God," they cried, "send us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order." Jupiter laughed at their croaking, and threw down into the pool a huge Log, which came down splashing into the water.
The Frogs were frightened, 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 came 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 pool.
But this did not suit them, so they sent another appeal to Jupiter, and said to him, "We want a real king; one that will really rule over us."
Now this made Jupiter 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.
Moral: Better no rule than cruel rule.