In the passage from "Don Quixote," the author emphasizes the importance of issuing edicts judiciously. A ruler should limit the number of directives they create and ensure that these commands are of high quality. The effectiveness of edicts lies not just in their issuance but also in how well they are enforced. If a ruler offers many commands that lack enforcement, they risk appearing weak and ineffective.

Cervantes draws a clear parallel to the consequences of unenforced laws, likening them to a log that once instilled fear in frogs but eventually garnered disdain when it became an unchallenged presence. This analogy highlights the potential for laws that intimidate but are left unheeded to lose their authority over time. The essence is that a leader must have both the wisdom to create impactful laws and the resolve to ensure they are respected and followed.