The Frogs Ask for a King

The frogs begged Jupiter for a king to enforce law and order. Jupiter heard their prayer and hurled a tree-trunk into the swamp.

Terrified by the huge splash, the frogs submerged, hiding in the mud.

Then one frog came out and hopped on the log.

Nothing happened.

The other frogs overcame their fear, hopping all over their king.

"We want a stronger king!" they croaked. "This one is useless."
So Jupiter sent a stork who gobbled up the frogs.

The survivors wept and prayed. "Please save us, Jupiter!"

"I only gave you what you asked for," the god replied, laughing.

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Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.

Notes: This is fable 605 in the book, which is Perry 44.

illustration by C.L. Bull