The Frogs Desire a King

The Frogs, dwelling in their marsh, grew tired of their simple, democratic existence. "Why must we live without a king?" they croaked to one another. "Every other creature has a leader. Should we not also have a king to rule us and bring order to our society?" They called upon Jupiter, the king of the gods, and begged him to send them a monarch to govern their affairs. Jupiter, amused by their request but willing to accommodate it, picked up a great piece of wood and cast it into the marsh. The wood splashed into the water with a tremendous sound, and the Frogs scattered in terror at this sudden disturbance. After a time, the wood sank and became still, and the Frogs, growing less fearful, ventured forth to examine their new king. Upon the log sat nothing but wood—inanimate and inert. The Frogs realized their mistake. They had expected a king with power and intelligence, yet they had received only a passive log. "This is not what we wanted!" cried the Frogs to Jupiter. "A true king should exercise authority and leadership! This wooden log does nothing but lie in our marsh. We do not wish for such a king!" But their cry came too late. Jupiter, displeased by their ingratitude and their continued complaints, sent them a second king—this time a Stork, a creature of fierce and predatory nature. The Stork, unlike the passive log, was very active indeed. It waded through the marsh, catching and devouring the Frogs with terrible efficiency. The Frogs, now facing genuine danger and suffering real loss, cried out to Jupiter in desperation: "Bring back the wooden log! We were foolish to reject it! It did no harm to us, while this devouring Stork destroys us daily. We now understand the value of a passive ruler compared to an active tyrant!" But Jupiter did not respond to their pleas. The Frogs had rejected the mild rule of the log and demanded a more active government. Now they suffered the consequences of their lack of wisdom.