FABLES. THE BEAR, THE MONKEY AND THE HOG

A Bear, with whom a Piedmontese
A wandering living made,
A dance he had not learn’d with ease,
On his two feet essay’d:

And, as he highly of it thought,
He to the Monkey cried,
«How’s that?» who, being better taught,
«’Tis very bad», replied.

«I do believe», rejoin’d the Bear,
«You little favour show:
For have I not a graceful air,
And step with ease to go?»

A Hog, that was beside them set,
Cried, «Bravo! good!» said he;
«A better dancer never yet
I saw, and ne’er shall see».

On this the Bear, as if he turn’d
His thoughts within his mind,
With modest gesture seeming learn’d
A lesson thence to find.

«When blamed the Monkey, it was cause
Enough for doubting sad;
But when I have the hog’s applause,
It must be very bad!»


As treasured gift, let authors raise
This moral from my verse:
’Tis bad, when wise ones do not praise;
But when fools do, ’tis worse.