There once lived a frog in a pond
Who to make friends was very fond
So he began to croak and call:
“Oh, please be my friends, one and all.”

* * * * *

A kite flew by and heard the call
And said: “Oh my friend, kind and small,
Pray, let me share your company,
I also have not friends any!”

“I can fly up and keep you cool,
Cooler than in that dirty pool
And you can see lands far and wide,
With me as your dear friend and guide,”

“Thank you very much, dear my friend,”
Said the frog, “Come down and please bend,
So I can hop up on your back
And see sights which on earth I lack.”

The kite was too glad to come down
But all at once, the frog did frown,
Only just then it dawned on him,
That his future safety was dim.

He hid in water; ‘Oh dear kite.”
Muttered the frog in utter fright,
“Under your care safety I seek
But I dread your claws and sharp beak.”

“Nay, nay, my good friend, say not that,
You shall be safe and sound; fear not,
I’ll always keep you gay and bright
And take you to the Heaven straight!”

“Nay, nay, my friend, I trust you not,
Because the moment I am caught
Under your claws, I think I’m lost
So go, go away, quick and fast!”

* * * * *

Then a crow heard the friendly croak
So flew down to the pool and spoke:
“I heard what you said to the kite,
And I assure you, you were right.”

“For, once you were under his paws,
You would have been killed by his claws;
But I’m small and have not those claws,
So fear not, come and be my boss!”

“Aye, aye, thank you,” the frog spoke out:
“But sorry, I am still in doubt
Because you too have that long beak
“And you can kill me while I shriek!”

“Don’t think so, my dear,” said the crow,
“I am your friend, and will be so,
And shall not use the beak ‘gainst you.”
The frog said: “No,” and ‘way it flew.

* * * * *

‘Quack, quack,” cried a duck in the pool,
“I am glad you were not a fool
And not duped by that crow and kite;
Be my friend, you know I don’t bite.”

“But of what use?” answered the frog,
“You live only in mire and bog,’
Whereas I would like to travel
And see the world, far and wide, well.”

* * * * *

“Squeak, squeak,” darted a little mouse,
“How about visiting my house?
Food and sweets are there in plenty,
And the dishes too are dainty.”

“But I want to see the world, dear,”
Said the frog, “but you live near here,
So I don’t think you can help me
Thanks all the same for your comp’ny.”

“You are wrong, my dear,” said the mouse,
“What if I live inside that house?
Still I can go far in the car,
So distance to me is no bar!”

“My master often goes in car
To many places, near and far;
“So we can both enjoy a ride
And chat too, sitting side by side!”

“That is very good,” said the frog;
“But, I am afraid of a dog
Which your master might be having
And with fright I’d be shivering!”

“Fear not of that,” replied the rat,
There’s no dog, nor even a cat;”
And so the two went together
Pleasures and fortunes to gather.

Said the mouse to the frog one day:
“Now I think you find your life gay;
So to make our friendship closer,
Let us bind ourselves together!”

So, to each end of a small rope,
They tied themselves, with the fond hope
That their friendship would grow stronger
And that they would be far happier.

On a hot day with a parched lip,
The frog felt like having a dip
So he hopped along to the pool,
And dived in to make himself cool!

The poor mouse sighed and in vain cried,
But was dragged ‘nto water and died!
The dead mouse soon began to float,
While the frog, unaware, did gloat.

A kite spied the floating dead rat
So flew down fast and lifted it;
I am sure you know what followed
Up went the frog too and was killed!

* * * * *

So dear children, take this to heart:
From strangers.strive to live apart.

Well, my dears, I am pretty sure
I have been successful to lure
You all by this charming story
And made you cheerful and merry.