XII REYNARD THE FOX 81

and my heart became like lead, cold and heavy
in my bosom. This made me call to mind the
story of the frogs, who being free and without
subjection, complained to /upzter, and desired
they might have a king to rule and govern
over them, and he presently sent them a stork,
which ate and devoured them up; so that by
his tyranny they became the most miserable of
all creatures; then they complained again to
Jupiter for redress, but it was then too late, for
they which could not be content with their
freedom must now of necessity suffer in
thraldom.

‘Thus I feared it might happen with us,
and thus I sorrowed for your Majesty, although
you little respect my grieving. I know that
ambition of the bear, and his tyranny is so
infinite great, that should the government
come into his hands (as Heaven forbid) the
whole commonwealth will be destroyed. Be-
sides, I know your Majesty of so royal and
princely birth, so mighty, so gracious, and so
merciful, that it had been a horrible exchange
to have seen a ravenous bear sit in the throne
of the royal lion, for there is in the bear and in
his generation more prodigal looseness and in-
constancy than in any beast whatsoever. But

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