As the Frog thus exulted, a new wonder of wonders came to pass. A carriage appeared shining like gold and drawn by strong young beetles. Master Frog gaped in amazement. He could scarcely believe his eyes. Then, almost before he knew what he was doing, he was sitting down on the soft velvet of the seat and waving the magic wand for an excursion trip.
Off he went, while all the folk he met bowed low and doffed their caps. Yet he had not gone far when he began to frown. “Alas,“ he sighed, “I see now that indulgence, pomp, and luxury are vain delusions. Little fairy carriage, I must bid you goodbye! My merry heart and active feet call me back home. There only do I care to dance!“
So saying, the Frog leapt from the carriage to the meadow, and started to skip about in the joy of health and strength. But before he turned home, he thanked the Mouse again:
