Composition

Lyrics

The Frogs were living 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 this was not right, they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they sent 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 splashing into the swamp. The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing 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 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 them a big Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented too late.

Better no rule than cruel rule.
text by Aesop
translated by Joseph Jacobs (1894)