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.