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.
