The Bear and the Gardener in this case keeping the flies off a friend, and the ultimate good of safeguarding his welfare. The story gained currency in England from the 18th century on through translations or imitations of La Fontaine. One of its earliest appearances was in Robert Dodsley's "Select fables of Esop and other fabulists" (1764), where it is given the title "The Hermit and the Bear" and a milder ending. In this version a hermit has done the bear a good turn; later still this was identified with taking a thorn from its paw, drawing on the story of Androcles and the Lion.
Lion mask leg. Occasionally, a lion's paw or pelt appears alongside the mask. Lion mask Lion mask is a motif used from antiquity as an emblem of strength, courage, and majesty. The lion mask holding a ring in its mouth for a handle derives from furniture from ancient Rome and it continues to be popular as doorknocker. Both Venetian and "Façon de Venise" goblets feature decorative prunts moulded in the lion mask shapes alluding to the symbol of Venice, the Lion of Saint Mark. From the early to mid-18th century, the lion mask enjoyed popularity as a favoured motif for furniture ornament,