忠实的朋友
一天早晨，老河鼠从自己的洞中探出头来。他长着明亮的小眼睛和硬挺的灰色胡须，尾
巴长得像一条长长的黑色橡胶。小鸭子们在池塘里游着水，看上去就像是一大群金丝鸟。他
们的母亲浑身纯白如雪，再配上一对赤红的腿，正尽力教他们如何头朝下地在水中倒立。
“除非你们学会倒立，否则你们永远不会进入上流社会，”她老爱这么对他们说，并不
停地做给他们看。但是小鸭子们并未对她的话引起重视。他们太年轻了，一点也不知道在上
流社会的好处是什么。
“多么顽皮的孩子呀！”老河鼠高声喊道，“他们真该被淹死。”
“不是那么回事，”鸭妈妈回答说，“万事开头难嘛，做父母的要多一点耐心。”
“啊：我完全不了解做父母的情感，”河鼠说，“我不是个养家带口的人。事实上，我
从未结过婚，也决不打算结婚。爱情本身倒是挺好的，但友情比它的价值更高。说实在的，
我不知道在这世上还有什么比忠实的友谊更崇高和更珍贵的了。”
“那么，请问，你认为一个忠实的朋友的责任是什么呢？”一只绿色的红雀开口问道，
此时他正坐在旁边一视柳树上，偷听到他们的谈话。
“是啊，这正是我想知道的，”鸭妈妈说。接着她就游到了池塘的另一头，头朝下倒立
起来，为的是给孩子们做一个好榜样。
“这问题问得多笨！”河鼠吼道，“当然，我肯定我忠实的朋友对我是忠实的。”
“那么你又用什么报答呢？”小鸟说着，跳上了一根银色的枝头，并扑打着他的小翅膀。
“我不明白你的意思，”河鼠回答说。
“那就让我给你讲一个这方面的故事吧，”红雀说。
“是关于我的故事吗？”河鼠问道，“如果是这样的话，我很愿意听，因为我特别喜欢
听故事。”
“它也适合你，”红雀回答说。他飞了下来，站立在河岸边，讲述起那个《忠实的朋
友》的故事。
“很久很久以前，”红雀说，“有一个诚实的小伙子名叫汉斯。”
“他是非常出色的吗？”河鼠问道。
“不，”红雀答道，“我认为他一点也不出色，只是心肠好罢了，还长着一张滑稽而友
善的圆脸。他独自一人住在小村舍里，每天都在自己的花园里干活。整个乡下没有谁家的花
园像他的花园那样可爱。里面长着美国石竹，还有紫罗兰、有荠，以及法国的松雪草。有粉
红色的玫瑰、金黄色的玫瑰，还有番红花，紫罗兰有金色的、紫色的和白色的。随着季节的
更迭，耧斗菜和碎米荠，牛膝草和野兰香，莲香花和鸢尾草，水仙和丁香都争相开放。一种
花刚凋谢，另一种便怒放开来，花园中一直都有美丽的花朵供人观赏，始终都有怡人的芳香
可闻。
“小汉斯有许多朋友，但是最忠实的朋友只有磨坊主大休。的确，有钱的磨坊主对小汉
斯是非常忠实的，每次他从小汉斯的花园经过总要从围墙上俯过身去摘上一大束鲜花，或者
摘上一把香草。遇到硕果累累的季节，他就会往口袋里装满李子和樱桃。
“磨坊主时常对小汉斯说，‘真正的朋友应该共享一切。’小汉斯微笑着点点头，他为
自己有一位思想如此崇高的朋友而深感骄傲。
“的确，有时候邻居们也感到奇怪，有钱的磨坊主从来没有给过小汉斯任何东西作为回
报，尽管他在自己的磨坊里存放了一百袋面粉，还有六头奶牛和一大群绵羊。不过，小汉斯
从没有为这些事而动过脑筋，再说经常听磨坊主对他谈起那些不自私的真正友谊的美妙故
事，对小汉斯来说，没有比听到这些更让他快乐的了。
“就这样小汉斯一直在花园中干着活。在春、夏、秋三季中他都很快乐，可冬天一到，
他没有水果和鲜花拿到市场上去卖，就要过饥寒交迫的日子，还常常吃不上晚饭，只吃点干
梨和核桃就上床睡觉了。在冬天的日子里，他觉得特别的孤单，因为这时磨坊主从来不会去
看望他。
“磨坊主常常对自己的妻子说，‘只要雪没有停，就没有必要去看小汉斯，因为人在困
难的时候，就应该让他们独处，不要让外人去打搅他们。这至少是我对友谊的看法，我相信
自己是对的，所以我要等到春天到来，那时我会去看望他，他还会送我一大篮樱草，这会使
他非常愉快的。’
“‘你的确为别人想得很周到，’他的妻子答道。她此刻正安坐在舒适的沙发椅上，旁
边燃着一大炉柴火，‘的确很周到。你谈论起友谊可真有一套，我敢说就是牧师本人也说不
出这么美丽的话语，尽管他能住在三层楼的房子里，小手指头上还戴着金成指。’
“‘不过我们就不能请小汉斯来这里吗？’磨坊主的小儿子说，‘如果可怜的汉斯遇到
困难的话，我会把我的粥分一半给他，还会把我那些小白兔给他看。’
“‘你真是个傻孩子！’磨坊主大声渠道，‘我真不知道送你上学有什么用处。你好像
什么也没有学会。噢，假如小汉斯来这里的话，看见我们暖和的炉火，看见我们丰盛的晚
餐，以及大桶的红酒，他可能会妒忌的，而妒忌是一件非常可怕的事情，它会毁了一个人的
品性。我当然不愿意把小汉斯的品性给毁了，我是他最要好的朋友，我要一直照顾他，并留
心他不受任何诱惑的欺骗。再说，如果小汉斯来到我家，他也许会要我赊点面粉给他，这我
可办不到。面粉是一件事，友谊又是另一件事，两者不能混为一谈。对呀，这两个词拼写起
来差别很大，意思也大不一样。每个人都清楚这一点。’
“‘你讲得真好’！磨坊主的妻子说，给自己倒了一大杯温暖的淡啤酒，‘我真的感到
很困了，就像是坐在教堂里听讲道一样。’
“‘很多人都做得不错，’磨坊主回答说，‘可说得好的人却寥寥无几，可见在两件事
中讲话更难一些，也更加迷人一些。’他用严厉的目光望着桌子另一头的小儿子，小儿子感
到很不好意思，低下了头，涨红着脸，泪水也忍不住地掉进了茶杯中。不过，他年纪这么
小，你们还是要原谅他。”
“故事就这么完了吗？”河鼠问。
“当然没有，”红雀回答说，“这只是个开头。”
“那么你就太落后了，”河鼠说，“当今那些故事高手们都是从结尾讲起，然后到开
头，最后才讲到中间。这是新方法。这些话是我那天从一位评论家那儿听来的，当时他正同
一位年轻人在池塘边散步。对这个问题他作了好一番高谈阔论，我相信他是正确的，因他戴
着一副蓝色的眼镜，头也全秃了，而且只要年轻人一开口讲话，他就总回答说，‘呸！’不
过，还是请你把故事讲下去吧。我尤其喜欢那个磨坊主。我自己也有各种美丽的情感，所以
我与他是同病相怜。”
“呵，”红雀说，他时而用这一只脚跳，时而又用另一只脚跳。“冬天刚一过去，樱草
开始开放它们的浅黄色星花的时候，磨坊主便对他的妻子说，他准备下山去看望一下小汉斯。
“‘啊，你的心肠真好！’他的妻子大声喊道，‘你总是想着别人。别忘了带上装花朵
的大篮子。’
“于是磨坊主用一根坚实的铁链把风车的翼板固定在一起，随后将篮子挎在手膀上就下
山去了。
“‘早上好，小汉斯，’磨坊主说。
“‘早上好，’汉斯回答道，把身体靠在铁铲上，满脸堆着笑容。
“‘整个冬天你都过得好吗？’磨坊主又开口问道。
“‘啊，是啊，’汉斯大声说，‘蒙你相问，你真是太好了，太好了。我要说我过得是
有些困难，不过现在春天已经到了，我好快活呀，我的花都长得很好。’
“‘今年冬天我们常提起你，’磨坊主说，‘还关心你过得怎么样了。’
“‘太感谢你了，’汉斯说，‘我真有点担心你会把我给忘了。’
“‘汉斯，你说的话让我吃惊，’磨坊主说；‘友谊从不会让人忘记，这就是友谊的非
凡所在，但是只恐怕你还不懂得生活的诗意。啊，对了，你的樱草长得多可爱呀！’
“‘它们长得确实可爱，’汉斯说，‘我的运气太好了，会有这么多的樱草。我要把它
们拿到市场上去卖，卖给市长的女儿，有了钱就去赎回我的小推车。’
“‘赎回你的小推车？你的意思是说你卖掉了它？这事你做的有多么傻呀！’
“‘噢，事实上，’汉斯说，‘我不得不那样做。你知道冬天对我来说是很困难的，我
也的确没钱买面包。所以我先是卖掉星期日制服上的银钮扣，然后又卖掉银链条，接着卖掉
了我的大烟斗，最后才卖掉了我的小推车。不过，我现在要把它们都再买回来。’
“‘汉斯，’磨坊主说，‘我愿意把我的小推车送给你。它还没有完全修好，其实，它
有一边已掉了，轮缘也有些毛病，但不管怎么说，我还是要把它送给你。我知道我这个人非
常慷慨，而且很多人会认为我送掉小车是很愚蠢的举动，但是我是与众不同的人。我认为慷
慨是友谊的核心。再说，我还给自己弄了一辆新的小推车。好了，你就放宽心吧，我要把我
的小推车给你的。’
“‘啊，你太慷慨了，’小汉斯说着，那张滑稽有趣的圆脸上洋溢着喜气。‘我会毫不
费力地把它修好，因为我屋里就有一块木板。’
“‘一块木板！’磨坊主说，‘对了，我正好想要一块木板来修补我的仓顶。那上面有
一个大洞，如果我不堵住它，麦子就会被淋湿。多亏你提到这事：一件好事总会产生另一件
好事，这真是不可思议。我已经把我的小推车给了你，现在你要把木板给我了。其实，小车
比木板要值钱得多，不过真正的友谊从来不会留意这种事的。请快把木板拿来，我今天就动
手去修我的仓房。’
“‘当然了，’小汉斯大声说，随即跑进他的小屋，把木板拖了出米。
“‘这木板不太大，’磨坊主望着木板说，‘恐怕等我修完仓顶后就没有剩下来给你修
补小推车的了，不过这当然不是我的错。而且现在我已经把我的小推车给了你，我相信你一
定乐意给我一些花作回报的。给你篮子，注意请给我的篮子装满了。’
“‘要装满吗？’小汉斯问着，脸上显得很不安，因为这可真是一个大篮子，他心里明
白，要是把这只篮子装满的话，他就不会有鲜花剩下来拿到集市上去卖了，再说他又非常想
把银钮扣赎回来。
“‘噢，对了，’磨坊主回答说，‘既然我已经把自己的小推车给了你，我觉得向你要
一些花也算不了什么。也许我是错了，但是我认为友谊，真正的友谊，是不会夹带任何私心
的。’
“‘我亲爱的朋友，我最好的朋友，’小汉斯喊了起来，‘我这花园里所有的花都供你
享用。我宁愿早一点听到你的美言，至于银钮扣哪一天去赎都可以。’说完他就跑去把花园
里所有的美丽樱草都摘了下来，装满了磨坊主的篮子。
“‘再见了，小汉斯，’磨坊主说。他肩上扛着木板，手里提着大篮子朝山上走去了。
“‘再见，’小汉斯说，然后他又开始高高兴兴地挖起土来，那辆小推车使他兴奋不已。
“第二天，小汉斯正往门廊上钉忍冬的时候，听见磨坊主在马路上喊叫他的声音。他一
下子从梯子上跳下来，跑到花园里，朝墙外望去。
“只见磨坊主扛着一大袋面粉站在外面。
“‘亲爱的小汉斯，’磨坊主说，‘你愿意帮我把这袋面粉背到集市上去吗？’
一牧，实在对不起，’汉斯说，‘我今天真的太忙了。我要把所有的藤子全钉好，还得
把所有的花浇上水，所有的草都剪平。’
“‘啊，不错，’磨坊主说，“我想是的。可你要考虑我将把我的小推车送给你，你要
是拒绝我就太不够朋友了。’
“‘啊，不要这么说，’小汉斯大声叫道，‘无论如何我也不会对不起朋友的。’他跑
进小屋去取帽子，然后扛上那大袋面粉，步履艰难地朝集市走去。
“这一天天气炎热，路上尘土飞扬，汉斯还没有走到六英里，就累得不行了，只好坐下
来歇歇脚。不过，他又继续勇敢地上路了，最后终于到达了集市。在那儿他没有等多长时
间，就把那袋面粉卖掉了，还卖了个好价钱。他立即动身回家，因为他担心在集市上呆得太
晚，回去的路上可能会遇上强盗的。
“‘今天的确太辛苦了，’小汉斯上床睡觉时这样对自己说，‘不过我很高兴没有拒绝
磨坊主，因为他是我最好的朋友，再说，他还要把他的小推车送给我。’
“第二天一大早，磨坊主就下山来取他那袋面粉的钱，可是小汉斯太累了，这时还躺在
床上睡觉呢。
“‘我得说，’磨坊主说，‘你实在是很懒，想一想我就要把我的小推车送给你，你本
该工作得更勤奋才对。懒情是一件大罪，我当然不喜欢我的朋友是个懒汉了。你当然不会怪
我对你讲了这一番直言，假如我不是你的朋友，我自然也不会这么做的。但是如果人们不能
坦诚地说出自己的心里话，那么友谊还有什么意思可言。任何人都可以说漂亮话，可以取悦
人，也可以讨好人，然而真正的朋友才总是说逆耳的话，而且不怕给人找苦头吃。的确，只
要一位真正的忠实的朋友乐意这么做的话，那么原因就在于他知道他正在做好事。’
“‘很对不起，’小汉斯一面说，一面揉着自己的眼睛，脱下了他的睡帽，‘不过我真
是太累了，我想的只是再睡一小会儿，听听鸟儿的歌声。你知道吗，每当我听过鸟儿的歌声
我会干得更起劲的？’
“‘好，这让我很高兴，’磨坊主拍拍小汉斯的肩膀说，‘我只想让你穿好衣服立即到
我的磨房来，给我修补一下仓房顶。’
“可怜的小汉斯当时很想到自己的花园里去干活，因为他的花草已有两天没浇过水了，
可他又不想拒绝磨坊主，磨坊主是他的好朋友哇。
“‘如果我说我很忙，你会认为我不够朋友吗？’他又害羞又担心地问道。
“‘噢，说实在的，’磨坊主回答说，‘我觉得我对你的要求并不过分，你想我就要把
我的小推车给你，不过当然如果你不想干，我就回去自己动手干。’
“‘啊！那怎么行，’小汉斯嚷着说。他从床上跳下来，穿上衣服，往仓房去了。
“他在那儿干了整整一天，直到夕阳西下，日落时分磨坊主来看他干得怎么样了。
“‘小汉斯，你把仓顶上的洞补好了吗？’磨坊主乐不可支地高声问道。
“‘全补好了，’小汉斯说着，从梯子上走了下来。
“‘啊！’磨坊主说，‘没有什么比替别人干活更让人快乐的了。’
“‘听你说话真是莫大的荣幸，’小汉斯坐下身来，一边擦去前额的汗水，一边回答
说，‘莫大的荣幸，不过我担心我永远也不会有你这么美好的想法。’
“‘啊！你也会有的，’磨坊主说，‘不过你必须得更努力些才行。现在你仅仅完成了
友谊的实践，今后有一天你也会具备理论的。’
“‘你真的认为我会吗？’小汉斯问。
“‘我对此毫不怀疑，’磨坊主回答说，‘不过既然你已经修补好了仓顶，你最好还是
回去休息，因为我明天还要你帮我赶山羊到山上去。’
“‘可怜的小汉斯对这件事什么也不敢说，第二天一大早磨坊主就赶着他的羊群来到了
小屋旁，汉斯便赶着它们上山去了。他花了整整一天功夫才走了一个来回。回到家时他已经
累坏了，就坐在椅子上睡着了，一觉醒来已经是大天亮了。
“‘今天能呆在自己的花园里我会是多么快乐呀。’说着，他就马上去干活了。
“然而他永远也不能够全身心地去照料好自己的花，因为他的朋友磨坊主老是不停地跑
来给他派些差事，或叫他到磨坊去帮忙。有时小汉斯也很苦恼，他担心自己的花会认为他已
经把它们给忘了，但是他却用磨坊主是自己最好的朋友这种想法来安慰自己。‘再说，’他
经常对自己说，‘他还要把自己的小推车送给我，那是真正慷慨大方的举动。’
“就这样小汉斯不停地为磨坊主干事，而磨坊主也讲了各种各样关于友谊的美妙语句，
汉斯把这些话都记在笔记本上，晚上经常拿出来阅读，因为他还是个爱读书的人。
“有一天晚上，小汉斯正坐在炉旁烤火，忽然传来了响亮的敲门声。这是个气候恶劣的
夜晚，风一个劲地在小屋周围狂欢乱咀。起初他还以为听到的只是风暴声呢，可是又传来了
第二次敲门声，接着是第三次，而且比前两次更响亮。
“‘这是个可怜的行路人，’小汉斯对自己说，而且朝门口跑去。
“原来门口站着的是磨坊主，他一只手里提着一个马灯，另一只手中拿着一根大拐杖。
“‘亲爱的小汉斯，’磨坊主大声叫道，‘我遇到大麻烦了。我的小儿子从梯子上掉下
来了，受了伤，我准备去请医生。可是医生住的地方太远，今晚的天气又如此恶劣，我刚才
突然觉得要是你替我去请医生，会好得多。你知道我将要把我的小推车送给你，所以你应该
为我做些事来作为回报，才算是公平的。’
“‘当然罗，’小汉斯大声说道，‘我觉得你能来找我是我的荣幸，我这就动身。不过
你得把马灯借给我，今夜太黑了，我担心自己跌到水沟里去。’
“‘很对不起，’磨坊主回答说，‘这可是我的新马灯，如果它出了什么毛病，那对我
的损失可就大了。’
“‘噢，没关系，我不用它也行。’小汉斯高声说，他取下自己的皮大衣和暖和的红礼
帽，又在自己的脖子上围上一条围巾，就动身了。
“那可真是个可怕的风暴之夜，黑得伸手不见五指，小汉斯什么也看不见。风刮得很
猛，他连站都站不稳。不过，小汉斯非常勇敢，他走了大约三个钟头，来到了医生的屋前，
敲响了门。
“‘是谁呀？’医生从卧室伸出头来大声问道。
“‘医生，我是小汉斯。’
“‘什么事，小汉斯。’
“‘磨坊主的儿子从梯子上跌下来摔伤了，磨坊主请你马上去。”
“‘好的！’医生说，并且叫人去备马。他取来大靴子，提上马灯，从楼上走了下来，
骑上马朝磨坊主的家奔去，而小汉斯却步履踏酒地跟在后头。
“然而风暴却越来越大，雨下得像小河的流水，小汉斯看不清他面前的路面，也赶不上
马了。最后他迷了路，在一片沼泽地上徘徊着。这是一块非常危险的地方，到处有深深的水
坑，可怜的小汉斯就在那里给淹死了。第二天几位牧羊人发现了他的尸首，漂浮在一个大池
塘的水面上。这几位牧羊人把尸体抬回到他的小屋中。哀悼仪式的主持人。
“‘既然我是他最好的沥友，’磨坊主说，‘那么就应该让我站最好的位置。’所以他
穿一身黑色的长袍走在送葬队伍的最前边，还时不时地用一块大手帕抹着眼泪水。
“‘小汉斯的死的确对每一个人都是个大损失，’铁匠开口说。这时葬礼已经结束，大
家都舒适地坐在小酒店里，喝着香料酒，吃着甜点心。
“‘无论如何对我是个大损失，’磨坊主回答说，‘对了，我都快把我的小推车送给他
了，现在我真不知怎么处理它了。放在我家里对我是个大妨碍，它已经破烂不堪，就是卖掉
它我又能得到什么。我今后更要留心不再送人任何东西。大方总让人吃苦头。’”
“后来呢？”过了好一会儿河鼠说。
“什么，我讲完了，”红雀说。
“可是磨坊主后来又怎样了呢？’河鼠问道。
“噢！我真的不清楚，”红雀回答说，“我觉得我不关心这个。”
“很显然你的本性中没有同情的成分，”河鼠说。
“我恐怕你还没有弄明白这故事中的教义，”红雀反驳说。
“什么？”河鼠大声暖道。
“教义。”
“你的意思是说这故事里还有一个教义？”
“当然了，”红雀说。
“噢，说真的，”河鼠气呼呼地说，“我认为你在讲故事之前就该告诉我那个。如果你
那样做了，我肯定不会听你的了。其实，我该像批评家那样说一声‘呸！’但是，我现在可
以这么说了。”于是他就大喊了一声“呸！”，并挥舞了一下自己的尾巴，就回到了山洞中
去。
“你觉得河鼠怎么样？”母鸭开口问道，她用了好几分钟才拍打着水走上岸来。“他也
有好些优点，不过就我而言，我有一个母亲的情怀，只要看见那些铁了心不结婚的单身汉总
忍不住要掉下眼泪来。”
“我真担心我把他给得罪了，”红雀回答说，“事实是我给他讲了一个带教义的故事。”
“啊，这事总是很危险的，”母鸭说。
我完全同意她的话。
tED FRIEND
One morning ter-rat put of his hole. he had
brigiff grey wail was like a
long bit of black india-rubber. ttle ducks were swimming
about in t like a lot of yellow canaries, and
te rying to
teaco stand on ter.
quot;You society unless you can stand on your
; s saying to then she showed
t ttle ducks paid no attention to
t knoage
it is to be in society at all.
quot; disobedient c; cried ter-rat; quot;they really
deserve to be dro;
quot;Not; ans;every one must make a
beginning, and parents cannot be too patient.quot;
quot;A ts,quot; said ter-
rat; quot;I am not a family man. In fact, I have never been married,
and I never intend to be. Love is all very s
friendshe world
t is eited friends;
quot;And ies of a devoted friend?quot;
asked a Green Linnet, ree hard by, and
ion.
quot;Yes, t is just to kno; said the Duck; and she
so tood upon her head, in order
to give her children a good example.
quot; a silly question!quot; cried ter-rat. quot;I s my
devoted friend to be devoted to me, of course.quot;
quot;And urn?quot; said ttle bird, swinging
upon a silver spray, and flapping iny wings.
quot;I dont understand you,quot; anser-rat.
quot;Let me tell you a story on t,quot; said t.
quot;Is tory about me?quot; asked ter-rat. quot;If so, I will
listen to it, for I am extremely fond of fiction.quot;
quot;It is applicable to you,quot; ans; and he flew down,
and aligold tory of ted
Friend.
quot;Once upon a time,quot; said t, quot;t little
fellow named ;
quot;as inguis; asked ter-rat.
quot;No,quot; ans, quot;I dont tinguis
all, except for , and his funny round good-humoured
face. iny cottage all by himself, and every day he
here was no garden
so lovely as -here, and Gilly-flowers, and
Shere were damask
Roses, and yellos
and he
Cohe Clove-Pink
bloomed or blossomed in t by,
one floaking anot there were always
beautiful to look at, and pleasant odours to smell.
quot;Little many friends, but t devoted friend
of all he rich
Miller to little be would never go by
leaning over the wall and plucking a large nosegay, or a handful of
s s
season.
quot;Real friends she Miller used
to say, and little very proud of
h such noble ideas.
quot;Sometimes, indeed, t it strange t the rich
Miller never gave little urn, though he had a
ored away in his mill, and six milch cows,
and a large flock of woolly s roubled his head
about ter pleasure to
listen to all to say about the
unselfisrue friendship.
quot;So little he
summer, and tumn wer came,
and or floo bring to t, he suffered
a good deal from cold and en o go to bed
any supper but a fehe
er, also, remely lonely, as to
see hen.
quot;to see little he
snos, to say to his wife, for when people
are in trouble t alone, and not be bothered by
visitors. t at least is my idea about friendship, and I am sure
I am rig till then I
s, and o give me a large
basket of primroses and t will make him so happy.
quot;You are certainly very tful about othe
ife, as s in able armche big pinewood
fire; very tful indeed. It is quite a treat to hear you
talk about friends
say suciful though he does live in a
toried tle finger.
quot;But could ask little he Millers
youngest son. If poor rouble I will give him half my
porridge, and se rabbits.
quot; a silly boy you are! cried t know
o sc to learn
anyttle hans came up here, and saw our warm fire,
and our good supper, and our great cask of red
envious, and envy is a most terrible thing, and would spoil
anybodys nature. I certainly alloo be
spoiled. I am friend, and I ch over him,
and see t led into any temptations. Besides, if hans
came ask me to let ,
and t I could not do. Flour is one thing, and friendship is
anot be confused.
differently, and mean quite different things. Everybody can see
t.
quot;alk! said t a
large glass of e dro is just
like being in church.
quot;Lots of people act very few
people talk alking is muche more
difficult two, and muching also; and he
looked sternly across table at tle son, w so
as e
scarlet, and began to cry into ea. however, he was so young
t you must excuse ;
quot;Is t tory?quot; asked ter-rat.
quot;Certainly not,quot; ans, quot;t is t;
quot;te be; said ter-rat. quot;Every
good story-teller noarts o
t is the new
met it tic who was
ter at
great lengt , for he had
blue spectacles and a bald he young man made
any remark, pray go on h your
story. I like tiful
sentiments myself, so t sympat;
quot;ell,quot; said t, he
ot;as soon as ter o
open tars, to he
tle hans.
quot; a good you have! cried his ife; you are always
take t h you for
the flowers.
quot;So tied togeth a
strong iron c do on his
arm.
quot;Good morning, little he Miller.
quot;Good morning, said hans, leaning on his spade, and smiling from
ear to ear.
quot;And er? said the Miller.
quot;ell, really, cried is very good of you to ask, very
good indeed. I am afraid I ime of it, but now
te happy, and all my flowers are
doing well.
quot;e often talked of you during ter, he Miller,
and ing on.
quot;t was kind of you, said hans; I was half afraid you had
forgotten me.
quot; you, said the Miller; friendship never
forgets. t is t it, but I am afraid you
dont understand try of life. how lovely your primroses are
looking, by-t;!
quot;tainly very lovely, said is a most
lucky t I o bring them
into t and sell to ters daughter, and
buy back my whe money.
quot;Buy back your o say you have sold
it? a very stupid to do!
quot;ell, t is, said I o. You see
ter ime for me, and I really
all to buy bread sold ttons off my
Sunday coat, and then I sold my
big pipe, and at last I sold my o buy
them all back again now.
quot; is
not in very good repair; indeed, one side is gone, and there is
somet in spite of t I will
give it to you. I kno is very generous of me, and a great many
people remely foolising , but I
am not like t of t generosity is the
essence of friends a new wheelbarrow
for myself. Yes, you may set your mind at ease, I will give you my
wheelbarrow.
quot;ell, really, t is generous of you, said little hans, and his
funny round face glo
it in repair, as I he house.
quot;A plank of is just
for t, and the
corn damp if I dont stop it up. how lucky you
mentioned it! It is quite remarkable ion always
breeds another. I have given you my wheelbarrow, and now you are
going to give me your plank. Of course, th
far more t true, friendsices things
like t. Pray get it at once, and I to my barn
this very day.
quot;Certainly, cried little o the shed and
dragged t.
quot;It is not a very big plank, said t it, and
I am afraid t after I be
any left for you to mend t, of course, t
is not my fault. And now, as I have given you my wheelbarrow, I am
sure you o give me some flourn. he
basket, and mind you fill it quite full.
quot;Quite full? said little was
really a very big basket, and if he would
for t and o get
tons back.
quot;ell, really, anshe Miller, as I have given you my
it is muco ask you for a few
flo I s t
friendsrue friendse free from selfishness of any
kind.
quot;My dear friend, my best friend, cried little hans, you are
o all the flowers in my garden. I would much sooner have
your good opinion ttons, any day; and he ran and
plucked all ty primroses, and filled t.
quot;Good-bye, little up the hill
in his hand.
quot;Good-bye, said little o dig ae
merrily, the wheelbarrow.
quot;t day the porch,
wo he road. So
he garden, and looked over
the wall.
quot;th a large sack of flour on his back.
quot;Dear little his
sack of flour for me to market?
quot;O I am really very busy to-day.
I all my creepers to nail up, and all my floo er,
and all my grass to roll.
quot;ell, really, said t, considering t I
am going to give you my her unfriendly of you
to refuse.
quot;O say t, cried little be unfriendly
for trudged off
he big sack on his shoulders.
quot;It erribly dusty, and before
one ired t o
sit do. on bravely, and as last he
reac. After ed time, he sold
turned home
at once, for if opped too late
meet some robbers on the way.
quot;It ainly been a tle o himself as
o bed, but I am glad I did not refuse the Miller,
for friend, and, besides, o give me his
wheelbarrow.
quot;Early t morning to get the money for
little ired t ill
in bed.
quot;Upon my he Miller, you are very lazy. Really,
considering t I am going to give you my whink you
mig sin, and I certainly dont
like any of my friends to be idle or sluggis not mind
my speaking quite plainly to you. Of course I s dream of
doing so if I your friend. But he good of
friends say exactly w one means? Anybody can
say cry to please and to flatter, but a true
friend al t mind giving
pain. Indeed, if rue friend , for he
kno then he is doing good.
quot;I am very sorry, said little hans, rubbing his eyes and pulling
off -cap, but I ired t I t I would lie
in bed for a little time, and listen to the birds singing. Do you
kno I alter after he birds sing?
quot;ell, I am glad of t, said ttle hans
on t you to come up to the mill as soon as you
are dressed, and mend my barn-roof for me.
quot;Poor little o go and work in his garden,
for been ered for t
like to refuse to him.
quot;Do you t would be unfriendly of me if I said I was busy?
imid voice.
quot;ell, really, ans t is muco
ask of you, considering t I am going to give you my wheelbarrow;
but of course if you refuse I myself.
quot;O, cried little of bed,
and dressed up to the barn.
quot;ill sunset, and at sunset the
Miller came to see ting on.
quot;, little he
Miller in a cheery voice.
quot;It is quite mended, anstle he
ladder.
quot;Aful as the work
one does for others.
quot;It is certainly a great privilege to alk, answered
little ting down, and wiping
privilege. But I am afraid I siful ideas
as you have.
quot;Oo you, said t you must take
more pains. At present you ice of friendship;
some day you will heory also.
quot;Do you really ttle hans.
quot;I of it, ans no you
ter go , for I
you to drive my so tain to-morrow.
quot;Poor little o say anyto the
next morning t o ttage, and
arted off o tain. It took he whole
day to get turned ired
t off to sleep in ill it
.
quot; a deligime I shall have in my garden, he said, and
to once.
quot;But someo look after all,
for he Miller was always coming round and sending him
off on long errands, or getting o ttle
ressed at times, as he was afraid his
floten t he consoled himself
by tion t t friend. Besides,
o say, o give me
is an act of pure generosity.
quot;So little he Miller said all
kinds of beautiful t friendsook down in
a note-book, and used to read over at night, for he was a very good
scholar.
quot;No one evening little ting by his
fireside was a very wild
nighe house so
terribly t at first it orm. But a
second rap came, and thers.
quot;It is some poor traveller, said little o himself, and he
ran to the door.
quot;tood tern in one ick
in ther.
quot;Dear little trouble. My
little boy himself, and I am going
for tor. But is such a bad
nig it occurred to me t it er
if you instead of me. You knoo give you my
you shing
for me in return.
quot;Certainly, cried little ake it quite as a compliment
your coming to me, and I art off at once. But you must lend
me your lantern, as t is so dark t I am afraid I might
fall into tch.
quot;I am very sorry, ans it is my neern,
and it loss to me if anyto it.
quot;ell, never mind, I it, cried little hans, and
ook do, and cap, and tied
a muffler round , and started off.
quot; a dreadful storm it little
rong t he could
scarcely stand. er he had
been t tors house,
and knocked at the door.
quot;or, putting of his
bedroom window.
quot;Little or.
quot; do you , little hans?
quot;t himself,
and ts you to come at once.
quot;All rigor; and he ordered his horse, and his
big boots, and ern, and came doairs, and rode off in
tion of ttle rudging behind
him.
quot;But torm greorrents,
and little see wh
t last he moor,
w was full of deep holes, and
ttle
day by some goating in a great pool of er, and was
brougo ttage.
quot;Everybody to little hans funeral, as he was so popular, and
the chief mourner.
quot;As I is only fair t
I s place; so the
procession in a long black cloak, and every nohen he wiped
-handkerchief.
quot;Little ainly a great loss to every one, said the
Blacksmited
comfortably in ting s
cakes.
quot;A great loss to me at any rate, anshe Miller; why, I had
as good as given know
o do . It is very muc is
in suc I could not get anyt if I sold
it. I ainly take care not to give ahing again.
One al;
quot;ell?quot; said ter-rat, after a long pause.
quot;ell, t is t; said t.
quot;But ; asked ter-rat.
quot;O kno; replied t; quot;and I am sure t
I dont care.quot;
quot;It is quite evident t you hy in your
nature,quot; said ter-rat.
quot;I am afraid you dont quite see tory,quot; remarked
t.
quot;t?quot; screamed ter-rat.
quot;t;
quot;Do you mean to say t tory ;
quot;Certainly,quot; said t.
quot;ell, really,quot; said ter-rat, in a very angry manner, quot;I
told me t before you began. If you had
done so, I certainly ened to you; in fact, I
sic.
no;; so ed out quot;Poo; at top of his voice, gave a
back into his hole.
quot;And er-rat?quot; asked the Duck, who came
paddling up some minutes after; many good
points, but for my o I hers feelings, and I can
never look at a confirmed bac tears coming into my
eyes.quot;
quot;I am rat I ; ans.
quot;t is, t I told ory ;
quot;A is alo do,quot; said the Duck.
And I quite agree h her.