THE FROGS, grieved at having no established Ruler, sent ambassadors
to Jupiter entreating for a King. Perceiving their simplicity, he cast
down a huge log into the lake. The Frogs were terrified at the splash
occasioned by its fall and hid themselves in the depths of the pool. But
as soon as they realized that the huge log was motionless, they swam again
to the top of the water, dismissed their fears, climbed up, and began
squatting on it in contempt. After some time they began to think
themselves ill-treated in the appointment of so inert a Ruler, and sent a
second deputation to Jupiter to pray that he would set over them another
sovereign. He then gave them an Eel to govern them. When the Frogs
discovered his easy good nature, they sent yet a third time to Jupiter to
beg him to choose for them still another King. Jupiter, displeased with
all their complaints, sent a Heron, who preyed upon the Frogs day by day
till there were none left to croak upon the lake.
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