基本信息
in the world that is either nobler or rarer than a devoted friendship."
"and what, pray, is your idea of the duties of a devoted friend?" asked a green linnet, who was sitting in a willow-tree hard by, and had overheard the conversation.
"yes, that is just what i want to know," said the duck; and she swam away to the end of the pond, and stood upon her head, in order to give her children a good example.
"what a silly question!" cried the water-rat. "i should expect my devoted friend to be devoted to me, of course."
"and what would you do in return?" said the little bird, swinging upon a silver spray, and flapping his tiny wings.
"i don't understand you," answered the water-rat.
"let me tell you a story on the subject," said the linnet.
"is the story about me?" asked the water-rat. "if so, i will listen to it, for i am extremely fond of fiction."
"it is applicable to you," answered the linnet; and he flew down, and alighting upon the bank, he told the story of the devoted friend.
"once upon a time," said the linnet, "there was an honest little fellow named hans."
"was he very distinguish
