英語寓言故事節選

The Frogs Asking for a King

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.

The Cat and the King

A CAT was looking at a King, as permitted by the proverb.

"Well," said the monarch, observing her inspection of the royal

person, "how do you like me?"

"I can imagine a King," said the Cat, "whom I should like better."

"For example?"

"The King of the Mice."

The sovereign was so pleased with the wit of the reply that he gave

her permission to scratch his Prime Minister's eyes out.