Princess and Toad… Retold

A Princess, clad in finery,
Sat by the brook one day,
When, what to her complete surprise,
A Frog didst leap her way.

“What’s this?” quoth she, in much distress.
“What lack of decency!”
“Do not be shocked,” replied the Frog.
“Be not afraid of me.”

“How so?” our frightened Princess shrieked.
“Hop to, and run away.”
“I’ve come to ask a favor, Miss,
Just one small thing today.”

“What could I do for you – A Frog?”
Miss Princess tried to cry.
“Return me to my former self,”
Sir Bullfrog didst reply.

“Pray, how do I return thee thus?”
Said our aggrieved Miss.
“’Tis one small thing,” the brute replied.
“It only takes a kiss.”

This Princess knew the stories well –
Her cousin and the pea.
If this frog was under a spell,
A fine prince he could be.

“But wait!” cried she, and thought again
“What will this do for me?”
The largish frog was heard to croak,
“’Twould truly set you free.”

“And after that, what would I be?”
Thus came the Frog’s reply:
“You would be loved and cherished
Until the day I die.”

“Then, up with you, fair Mister Toad,
Receive your loving kiss.”
The frog hopped up, and Princess thought,
‘Something may be amiss.’


The Frog saw Princess hesitate –
“What so, my pretty one?
I know we have all day for this,
But, please, let’s get it done.”

“Will you always stay beside me?”
“Now, that I guarantee.
Though I travel a great distance,
You will always be with me.”

“Then, yes, my Frog, I quite agree.
Let us not take all day.”
Then, sweet caress on Froggie’s lips -
And Tadpole swam away.