The Frogs asking for a King.

The Frogs, after some Ages spent In Democratick Government, Grew weary of it, and agree, To change it for a Monarchy; And humbly begg'd a King of Jove, The God comply'd, and from above Dropt 'em a very peaceful one; But only in the falling down, He made such Noise, that all the Frogs, Who are but fearful skittish Dogs Were frighted and drove under Water, And there remain'd a good while after, Among the Weeds; their fear was such, There was not one, that dar'd so much As look upon him, whom they thought Some Giant, or the Lord knows what. Tho' all this while 'twas but a Log, At last came up a daring Frog; But took care, not to swim too nigh it, Till, seeing it lay so very quiet, He went on, tho' in mighty awe; But when his Fellow Subjects saw Their Bulky King did him no harm, In half an Hour the Pond did swarm Of Frogs. O! what a pretty thing It was to play about their King: The meekest that e'er wore a Crown; And soon they're so familiar grown, That laying all respect aside, They jump upon his Back, and ride. The King says nothing, keeps his Peace, And let's em work him as they please. But this they hate, they'd have him move. A second time they call on Jove, And tire his Brain with clam'rous rout, To have a King, that stirr'd about. Jove mad for being plagu'd again, Sends em a Damn'd devouring Crane; Who only was for Kill, and Slay, And eat whoe'er came in his way. Much louder now the Rascals cry; Deliver us from Tyranny! O Jupiter! if he goes on, } We shall be murder'd every one, } This is the Devil upon dun. } Quoth he, I'll humour Fools no more, You might have kept what ye had before; You left your common wealth, to seek A King; and then he was too meek; You must have one forsooth, that stirs: I hope now you have got one, Sirs. You never chang'd without a Curse, Keep this, for fear you get a worse.

The Moral. Thank God, this Fable is not meant } To Englishmen; they are content, } And hate to change their Government. }