Aesop's Fables

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 downrplashto 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 .