This is one of a series of short fables by G.E.Lessing. I have entered it in the original German as Die Wasserschlange. An (approximate!) English translation is below.

The Water-snake.

by G.E.Lessing

    Zeus had given to the Frogs another king; instead of the peaceable log, a ravenous water-snake.
    "If you wish to be our king," cried the frogs, "why do you devour us?" - "Because," answered the snake, "you have asked for me."
    "I have not asked for you!" exclaimed one of the frogs, which the snake was already devouring with its eyes. - "No?" said the water-snake. "So much the worse, I must devour you because you have not asked for me."

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.