ONCE there were two Frogs who were dear
friends.
One lived in a deep pond in the woods, where
the trees hung over the water, and
where
no one came to disturb him.
The other lived in a small pool. This
was
not a good place for a Frog, or any one else,
to live in, for the country road passed through
the pool, and all the horses and wagons had to
go that way, so that it was not quiet like the
pond, and the horses made the water muddy
and foul.
One day the Frog from the pond said to
the other, "Do come and live with me: I have
plenty of food and water, and nothing to
disturb me; and it is so pleasant in my pond.
Now here there is very little food, and not
much water, and the road passes through your
pool, so that you must always be afraid of
passers-by."
"Thank you," said the other Frog;
"you
are very kind, but I am quite content here.
There is water enough; those who pass never
trouble me; and as to food, I had a good dinner
the day before yesterday. I am so used to
this place, you know, and I do not like change.
But come and see me as often as you can."
The next time the Frog from the pond came
to visit his friend, he could not find him.
"Too late!" sang a Bird, who lived in a
tree
that overhung the pool.
"What do you mean?" said the Frog.
"Dead and gone!" said the Bird.
"Run
over by a wagon and killed, two days ago, and
a big Hawk came and carried him off."
"Alas!" if he had only taken my advice, he
might have been well and happy now," said
the Frog as he turned sadly towards home:
"but he would have his way, and I have lost
my friend."
Wilful people will not listen to reason.
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