Fables for the Frivolous/The Arrogant Frog and the Superior Bull
THE ARROGANT FROG
AND
THE SUPERIOR BULL
"HE STROVE TO GROW ROTUNDER"
THE ARROGANT FROG
AND
THE SUPERIOR BULL
Once, on a time and in a place Conducive to malaria,There lived a member of the race Of Rana Temporaria; Or, more concisely still, a frog Inhabited a certain bog.
A bull of Brobdingnagian size, Too proud for condescension,One morning chanced to cast his eyes Upon the frog I mention; And, being to the manner born, Surveyed him with a lofty scorn.
Perceiving this, the bactrian's frame With anger was inflated,Till, growing larger, he became Egregiously elated; For inspiration's sudden spell Had pointed out a way to swell.
"Ha! ha!" he proudly cried, "a fig For this, your mammoth torso!Just watch me while I grow as big As you—or even more so!" To which magniloquential gush His bullship simply answered "Tush!"
Alas! the frog's success was slight, Which really was a wonder,In view of how with main and might He strove to grow rotunder! And, standing patiently the while, The bull displayed a quiet smile.
"HE STROVE TO GROW ROTUNDER"But ah, the frog tried once too oft And, doing so, he busted;Whereat the bull discreetly coughed And moved away, disgusted, As well he might, considering The wretched taste that marked the thing.
The moral: Everybody knows How ill a wind it is that blows.