A bear, who had made his living by dancing for a long time, at length escaped from his master and returned to his former companions in the woods.
His brothers welcomed him with most friendly growls. The traveler told of what he had seen in foreign countries and recounted a long history of his adventures. To exhibit his wonderful feats, he began, in an erect position, to dance the Polonaise. His brothers, who were watching the performance, were astonished at his grace and tried to imitate his ballet steps. It was in vain; hardly were they raised on two legs when they fell again upon all fours. Seeing their awkwardness, the bear went on to exhibit some higher displays of his art, which at length aroused the envy of the others, and so they drove him from their society.