The Arrogant Frog and the Superior Bull ~ Guy Wetmore Carryl

The Arrogant Frog and the Superior Bull ~ Guy Wetmore Carryl

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.

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.

Guy Wetmore Carryl

Here is a poem for filthy arrogant 鄭弘儀 http://www.bakogi.com/2010/11/toad-bakogi.html