The Preist and the Frog

Old Father Mathew was walking through the church grounds one sunny summer evening, when he came upon a little frog sitting by a tree.

"My Lord," he said, picking it up: "You're the saddest, most forlorn-looking frog I've ever seen.
I only wish you could speak, so that you might tell me your troubles."

The frog replied, "Actually, I can. You see, I was once a choirboy in this very parish.

One day I offended a passing Gypsy, and she put a curse on me that turned me into a talking frog."

"Incredible!" said Father Mathew. "Is there anything I might do to help you?"

"Actually yes, there is. The Gypsy said that if I can find somebody to take me home and let me sleep in their bed, the curse will be lifted and I'll be back to normal."

"Well," said Father Mathew, "the good Lord teaches us to be charitable. I think I can manage that."

So Father Mathew picked up the little frog and put it in his pocket. That night he placed it gently on the pillow beside him and slept peacefully.

When he awoke the next morning, the frog had turned back into a choirboy, just as it had said it would and was lying naked into Father Mathew's bed.

And that, Your Honour, is the case for the defence given by Father Mathew himself...