A large pond was frozen over

A large pond was frozen over; The frogs, lost in the depths, Were not allowed to croak or jump any further, But promised themselves in half a dream: If only they could find room up there, They would sing like nightingales.

The thaw came, the ice melted, Now they rowed and landed proudly And sat on the shore far and wide And croaked as of old.

(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)