Prevod

The fish had long been dissatisfied with the lack of order in their kingdom. None paid any heed to the others, but swam to the right or left as the fancy took them, darted between those who wanted to stay together, or blocked their way. The stronger would give the weaker a blow with its tail that sent it flying, or simply swallow it whole. “How wonderful it would be if we had a king who would uphold law and justice among us,” they said, and agreed to choose as their ruler whoever could swim most swiftly through the waters and bring help to the weak.

So they lined up in ranks along the shore, and the pike gave a signal with his tail, at which they all set off together. The pike shot through the water like an arrow, and with him went the herring, the gudgeon, the perch, the carp, and all the rest, whatever their names may be. The flounder swam along too, hoping to reach the finish.

Suddenly a cry rang out: “The herring’s in front! The herring’s in front!” “Who’s out front?” cried the flat, ill-natured flounder crossly, for she had fallen far behind. “Who’s out front?” “The herring, the herring,” came the reply. “That naked herring?” cried the envious creature. “That naked herring?” Ever since then, the flounder’s mouth has been crooked as a punishment.