The Bear, the Monkey and the Hog

A Piedmontese a Bear had taught / Upon two legs the art of dancing; / To earn their bread, the master sought, / By showing off his awkward prancing.

Now, Bruin, anxious to excel, / Before the Monkey showed his skill.

"How do I dance, friend? Prithee tell."

"Ill," said the Monkey, "very ill."

"I am afraid you look on me,"

Said Bruin, "with a jealous eye.

Now, that I move quite gracefully, / And know the step, can you deny?"

A jolly Pig was standing by, / And shouted, -- "Bravo! nobly done!

A better dancer, sure am I, / Was never seen beneath the sun."

He spoke. But Bruin thoughtful stood, / And soberly the grunter eyed; / At last, in sad and humble mood, / To his loud praise he thus replied:

"When Monkey did my dancing slight / I did not much the censure heed; / But now I see, by your delight, / It must be miserable, indeed."

Authors, who seek a noble fame, / Mark well the moral of my verse!

That's bad which worthy judges blame; / What bad applaud, is worse.