“My frogs: the mice threaten you and send me

to tell you to arm yourselves for war and battle.

They saw Crumbthief, whom your king

Bellowmouth killed in the water. But fight,

all of you who were born best among the frogs.”

He explained it, speaking in this way. The report entered all their ears

and disturbed the minds of the arrogant frogs.

While they were reproaching, Bellowmouth stood and said:

“Friends, I didn’t kill the mouse, nor did I witness him dying.

He drowned altogether because he was playing near the shore

trying to mimic the swimming of frogs. These villains

are blaming me when I am not at fault. But let us seek

a plan so that we may kill those treacherous mice.

I will announce the strategy that seems best to me.

Let all of us stand after adorning ourselves in arms

on the top of the banks where the land is steep.

Whenever they come rushing against us—

Once we have snatched them by their helmets as each approaches—

we will throw them straight into the water with their weapons.

When we drown those unaccustomed to the water in this way,

we will happily dedicate a trophy to the murder of mice.”

So speaking he persuaded everyone to arm themselves.

First, they covered their shins with the leaves of reeds

and they had breastplates from fine yellow beets

while they fitted the leaves of cabbage into shields well

and a great sharp reed was worked as a spear for each.

The horns of polished snails covered their heads.

They stood on the high banks defending themselves;

and as they brandished their spears, courage filled each of them.

Zeus called the gods to starry heaven

and showed them the mass of war and strong warriors

so many, so great, carrying enormous spears

just as the army of centaurs or giants had once approached them.

Then, laughing sweetly, he asked who among the immortals

were supporters for the frogs or mice. And he addressed Athena:

“Daughter, won’t you go forth to help the mice?

For they all continuously dance around your temple

Delighting in the smell and every kind of treat.”

So Kronos’ son asked and Athena responded:

“Father, I would never come to the aid of the distressed mice

because they have done me many evils

by ruining my garlands and lamps to get at the oil.

One thing they did really wears at my thoughts.

They ate up at the robe which I wore myself out weaving

from tender weft I spun myself on a great warp—

they fill it with holes. The mender waits for me

and makes me his debtor, a thing horrible for the gods.

For I spun it in debt and I can’t pay it back.

But there is no way I want to help the frogs.

For these creatures are not of sound mind: yesterday

when I was returning from war and really worn out