The Fiddler and the Frog

The fiddler and the frog went to play before the king But though the fiddler played, the frog refused to sing. Nothing could entice it, not rewards or threats of pain. In silence it just stood there, nearly drove the king insane. The fiddler kept on playing, the frog sang not a word. All those in attendance said that not a croak was heard. Finally, in anger, something broke in the royal brain. He yelled out to his fearful guards, “Lock them both in chains!” The fiddler stopped his playing, and he gave the king a glance. He said, “I will explain if you’ll but give me the chance.” The king screamed, “He refused to sing when I deemed that he should!” The fiddler said, “He’s just a frog. No one said he could.” The fiddler and the frog left the castle that same day. Late that night, beside the fire, the fiddler began to play. The frog lay staring deeply into the campfire light. Then quietly he said, “I’m sorry. It was just stagefright.”