The Frogs Who Asked for a King

"The Frogs Who Asked for a King" is a fable by Jean de La Fontaine that centers around a community of frogs who, unhappy with their current way of life, plead with the gods to grant them a king. Initially, a peaceful log is sent as their ruler, but dissatisfied with its passivity, they request for a more active king. In response, the gods send a stork that starts eating them. The book is a cautionary tale warning against discontentment and the dangers of desiring too much change without considering the potential consequences.

• Fable

								
Of Democrats the Frogs grew tired,
And unto Monarchy aspired;
Clamour so loud, that from a cloud
Great Jove in pity dropped a King,
Silent and peaceful, all allowed;
And yet he fell with such a splash, the thing
Quite terrified those poor marsh folks,
    Not fond of jokes,
Foolish and timid, all from him hid;
    And each one brushes

To hide in reeds, or sneak in rushes;
And from their swampy holes, poor little souls!
For a long time they dared not peep
At the great giant, still asleep.
    And yet the monarch of the bog
    Was but a LOG,
Whose solemn gravity inspired with awe
The first who venturing saw:
He hobbled somewhat near,
With trembling and with fear;
Then others followed, and another yet,
Until a crowd there met;
At last the daring mob grew bolder,
And leaped upon the royal shoulder;
Good man, he did not take it ill,
But as before kept still.
Soon Jupiter is deafened with the din--
"Give us a king who'll move," they all begin.
The monarch of the gods sends down a Crane,
Who with a vengeance comes to reign.
    He gobbles and he munches,
    He sups and lunches;
Till louder still the Frogs complain.
"Why, see!" great Jupiter replied,
"How foolishly you did decide.
You'd better kept your first--the last is worst.
You must allow, if you are fair,
King Log was calm and debonair:
With him, then, be ye now content,
For fear a third, and worse, be sent."
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