Contents ▼▲
Front Matter A for Archibald B for Bear C for Cobra D for Dreadful E for Egg F for Family G for Gnu H for Horseman I for Indian J for James K for Klondyke L for Lady M for Millionaire N for Ned O for Oxford P for Pig Q for Quinine R for Reviewer S for Snail T for Tourist U for Upas Tree V for Volunteer W for Waterbeetle X for Nothing Important Y for Youth Z for Zebu

Moral Alphabet - Hilaire Belloc




B For Bear

B stands for Bear.

[Illustration] from A Moral Alphabet by Hilaire Belloc

When Bears are seen Approaching in the distance,

Make up your mind at once between Retreat and Armed Resistance.

[Illustration] from A Moral Alphabet by Hilaire Belloc

A Gentleman remained to fight—With what result for him?

The Bear, with ill-concealed delight, Devoured him, Limb by Limb.

[Illustration] from A Moral Alphabet by Hilaire Belloc

Another Person turned and ran; He ran extremely hard:

The Bear was faster than the Man, And beat him by a yard.


Moral


Decisive action in the hour of need

Denotes the Hero, but does not succeed.