8 One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to an olive tree, 'Be our king.'
9 "But the olive tree answered, 'Should I give up my olive oil? It's used to honor gods and people alike. Should I give that up just to rule over the trees?'
10 "Next, the trees spoke to a fig tree. They said, 'Come and be our king.'
11 "But the fig tree replied, 'Should I give up my fruit? It's so good and sweet. Should I give that up just to rule over the trees?'
12 "Then the trees spoke to a vine. They said, 'Come and be our king.'
13 "But the vine answered, 'Should I give up my wine? It cheers up gods and people alike. Should I give that up just to rule over the trees?'
14 "Finally, all of the trees spoke to a bush that had thorns. They said, 'Come and be our king.'