小学英语 英语故事(童话故事)There Is a Difference 区别
“There Is a Difference”区别It was in the month of May. The wind was still cold, but spring had come, said the trees and the bushes, the fields and the meadows. Everywhere flowers were budding into blossom; even the hedges were alive with them. Here spring spoke about herself; it spoke from a little apple tree, from which hung a single branch so fresh and blooming, and fairly weighed down by a glorious mass of rosy buds just ready to open. Now this branch knew how lovely it was, for that knowledge lies in the leaf as well as in the flesh, so it wasn't a bit surprised when one day a grand carriage stopped in the road beside it, and the young Countess in the carriage said that this apple branch was the most beautiful she had ever seen-it was spring itself in its loveliest form. So she broke off the apple branch and carried it in her own dainty hand, shading it from the sun with her silk parasol, as they drove on to her castle, in which there were lofty halls and beautifully decorated rooms. Fleecy-white curtains fluttered at its open windows, and there were many shining, transparent vases full of beautiful flowers. In one of these vases, which looked as if it were carved of new-fallen snow, she placed the apple branch, among fresh green beech leaves-a lovely sight indeed. And so it happened that the apple branch grew proud, and that's quite human.All sorts of people passed through the rooms, and according to their rank expressed their admiration in different ways; some said too much, some said too little, and some said nothing at all. And the apple branch began to realize that there were differences in people as well as in plants."Some are used for nourishment, some are for ornament, and some you could very well do without," thought the apple branch.From its position at the open window the apple branch could look down over the gardens and meadows below, and consider the differences among the flowers and plants beneath. Some were rich, some were poor, and some were very poor."Miserable, rejected plants," said the apple branch. "There is a difference indeed! It's quite proper and just that distinctions should be made. Yet how unhappy they must feel, if indeed a creature like that is capable of feeling anything, as I and my equals do; but it must be that way, otherwise everybody would be treated as though they were just alike."And the apple branch looked down with especial pity on one kind of flower that grew everywhere in meadows and ditches. They were much too common ever to be gathered into bouquets; they could be found between the paving stones; they shot up like the rankest and most worthless of weeds. They were dandelions, but people have given them the ugly name, "the devil's milk pails.""Poor wretched outcasts," said the apple branch. "I suppose you can't help being as common as you are, and having such a vulgar name! It's the same with plants as with men-there must be a difference.""A difference?" repeated the sunbeam, as it kissed the apple branch; but it kissed the golden "devil's milk pails," too. And all the other sunbeams did the same, kissing all the flowers equally, poor as well as rich.The apple branch had never thought about our Lord's infinite love for everything that lives and moves in Him, had never thought how much that it is good and beautiful can lie hidden but still not be forgotten; and that, too, was human.But the sunbeam, the ray of light, knew better. "You don't see very clearly; you are not very farsighted. Who are these outcast flowers that you pity so much?" "Those devil's milk pails down there," replied the apple branch. "Nobody ever ties them up in bouquets; they're trodden under foot, because there are too many of them. And when they go to seed they fly about along the road like little bits of wool and hang on people's clothes. They're just weeds! I suppose there must be weeds too, but I'm certainly happy and grateful that I'm not like one of them!"Now a whole flock of children ran out into the meadow to play. The youngest of them was so tiny that he had to be carried by the others. When they set him down in the grass among the golden blossoms, he laughed and gurgled with joy, kicked his little legs, rolled over and over, and plucked only the yellow dandelions. These he kissed in innocent delight.The bigger children broke off the flowers of the dandelions and joined the hollow stalks link by link into chains. First they would make one for a necklace, then a longer one to hang across the shoulders and around the waist, and finally one to go around their heads; it was a beautiful wreath of splendid green links and chains. But the biggest of the children carefully gathered the stalks that had gone to seed, those loose, aerial, woolly blossoms, those wonderfully perfect balls of dainty white plumes, and held them to their lips, trying to blow away all the white feathers with one breath. Granny had told them that whoever could do that would receive new clothes before the year was out. The poor, despised dandelion was considered quite a prophet on such occasions."Now do you see?" asked the sunbeam. "Do you see its beauty and power?""Oh, it's all right-for children," replied the apple branch.Now an old woman came into the meadow. She stooped and dug up the roots of the dandelion with a blunt knife that had lost its handle. Some of the roots she would roast instead of coffee berries, others she would sell to the apothecary to be used as drugs."Beauty is something higher than this," said the apple branch. "Only the chosen few can really be allowed into the kingdom of the beautiful; there's as much difference between plants as between men."Then the sunbeam spoke of the infinite love of the Creator for all His creatures, for everything that has life, and of the equal distribution of all things in time and eternity."That's just your opinion," replied the apple branch.Now some people came into the room, and among them was the young Countess who had placed the apple branch in the transparent vase. She was carrying a flower-or whatever it was-that was protected by three or four large leaves around it like a cap, so that no breath of air or gust of wind could injure it. She carried it more carefully and tenderly than she had the apple branch when she had brought it to the castle. Very gently she removed the leaves, and then the apple branch could see whatshe carried. It was a delicate, feathery crown of starry seeds borne by the despised dandelion!This was what she had plucked so carefully and carried so tenderly, so that no single one of the loose, dainty, feathered arrows that rounded out its downy form should be blown away. There it was, whole and perfect. With delight she admired the beautiful form, the airy lightness, the marvelous mechanism of a thing that was destined so soon to be scattered by the wind."Look how wonderfully beautiful our Lord made this!" she cried. "I'll paint it, together with the apple branch. Everybody thinks it is so extremely beautiful, but this poor flower is lovely, too; it has received as much from our Lord in another way. They are very different, yet both are children in the kingdom of the beautiful!" The sunbeam kissed the poor dandelion, and then kissed the blooming apple branch, whose petals seemed to blush a deeper red.。
小学一年级英语双语故事【4则】
小学一年级英语双语故事【4则】导读：本文小学一年级英语双语故事【4则】，仅供参考，如果觉得很不错，欢迎点评和分享。
篇一Little boy and scorpion son（小男孩与蝎子）There is a child in front of city wall to catch the grasshopper，and in a short while caught the lots of.Suddenly see a scorpion son，he to think is also grasshopper，Then two go to catch him.The scorpion son raises his poison to stab，say：“ come，if you really dare to do like this，connect your grasshopper that catch to also would entirely lose.”This story warns people，and want to distinguish the pure good man with the bad person，and distinct to treat them.有个小孩在城墙前捉蚱蜢，一会儿就捉了许多。
忽然看见一只蝎子，他以为也是蚱蜢，便着两手去捕捉他。
蝎子举起他的毒刺，说道：“来吧，如果你真敢这样做，就连你捉的蚱蜢也会统统失掉。
”这故事告诫人们，要分辨清好人和坏人，区别对待他们。
篇二THE WOLF AND THE LAMBA（狼和小羊）Wolf meeting with a Lamb astray from the fold，resolved not to lay violent hands on him，but to find someplea，which should justify to the Lamb himself his right to eat him. He thus addressed him：“Sirrah，last year you grossly insulted me.” “Indeed，” bleated the Lamb in a mournful tone of voice，“I was not then born.” Then said the Wolf，“You feed in my pasture.”一只狼瞧见一只迷路失群的小羊，决定暂缓下毒手，想先找一些理由，对小羊证明自己有吃它的权利。
我最喜爱的童话故事小红帽英语作文
我最喜爱的童话故事小红帽英语作文全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇1My Favorite Fairy Tale: Little Red Riding HoodLittle Red Riding Hood is a classic fairy tale that has been loved by children and adults alike for generations. The story follows a young girl, Little Red Riding Hood, who is sent by her mother to deliver food to her sick grandmother. On the way, she encounters a cunning wolf who tricks her into revealing where her grandmother lives. The wolf then races ahead to the grandmother's house, disguises himself as the grandmother, and ultimately devours both the grandmother and Little Red Riding Hood. However, a brave woodsman arrives just in time to rescue them and defeat the wolf.There are several reasons why Little Red Riding Hood is my favorite fairy tale. Firstly, I love the character of Little Red Riding Hood herself. She is portrayed as a brave and kind-hearted girl who shows courage and determination in the face of danger. Despite being faced with a cunning wolf, she remains calm andresourceful, which is a valuable lesson for children about being quick-witted in challenging situations.Secondly, I find the moral of the story to be very important. Little Red Riding Hood teaches us about the dangers of trusting strangers and the importance of listening to our instincts. By being cautious and not revealing personal information to strangers, we can protect ourselves from harm. This is a valuable lesson for children to learn about staying safe and being aware of potential dangers in the world around them.Finally, I appreciate the message of bravery and heroism in the story. The brave woodsman who comes to the rescue of Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother embodies the idea of standing up to evil and protecting those in need. His actions show that courage and selflessness can make a positive difference in the world, and that it is important to help others in times of trouble.In conclusion, Little Red Riding Hood is a timeless fairy tale that continues to capture the hearts of readers of all ages. Its engaging plot, memorable characters, and important moral lessons make it a classic story that teaches us about courage, caution, and the power of kindness. I will always cherish this enchanting tale and the valuable lessons it imparts.篇2My Favorite Fairy Tale: Little Red Riding HoodLittle Red Riding Hood is one of my favorite fairy tales. It is a classic story that has been passed down through generations and has captivated the hearts of readers young and old. The tale follows a young girl named Little Red Riding Hood who is on her way to visit her grandmother. Along the way, she encounters a cunning wolf who tricks her into revealing where her grandmother lives. The wolf then rushes ahead to the grandmother's house, where he eats the grandmother and disguises himself in her clothing. When Little Red Riding Hood arrives, she is deceived by the wolf's appearance and is eventually eaten as well. However, in most versions of the story, a woodsman arrives just in time to rescue them both from the wolf's belly.What I love most about this story is the moral lessons it teaches. Little Red Riding Hood serves as a cautionary tale, warning children to be wary of strangers and to listen to their instincts. It also emphasizes the importance of being cautious and not revealing personal information to unfamiliar individuals.I also appreciate the strong female protagonist in this story. Little Red Riding Hood is portrayed as brave and resourceful, as she ultimately outsmarts the wolf and escapes from danger. Her character serves as a role model for young girls, showing them that they are capable of facing challenges and overcoming obstacles.Furthermore, the story's vivid imagery and suspenseful plot make it an engaging and memorable read. The dark and mysterious forest setting, the eerie encounter with the wolf, and the thrilling rescue by the woodsman all contribute to the story's lasting appeal.In conclusion, Little Red Riding Hood is a timeless fairy tale that continues to captivate audiences with its moral lessons, strong female protagonist, and suspenseful plot. It is a story that has stood the test of time and will continue to enchant readers for generations to come.篇3My favorite fairy tale is Little Red Riding Hood. It is a classic story that has been retold and adapted in various forms over the years. The tale revolves around a little girl named Little Red Riding Hood who sets off through the woods to visit hergrandmother. On her way, she encounters a cunning wolf who tricks her into revealing the way to her grandmother's house. The wolf then rushes ahead to the grandmother's house, where he devours the old woman and hides her in the closet. When Little Red Riding Hood arrives, the wolf disguises himself as the grandmother and eventually eats her as well.Despite the dark and cautionary elements of the story, I have always been drawn to Little Red Riding Hood for its timeless themes of innocence, deception, and the power of family. The character of Little Red Riding Hood represents the vulnerability and naivety of youth, while the wolf symbolizes the dangers and threats that lurk in the world. The story serves as a warning to children about the importance of being cautious and aware of their surroundings, as well as the consequences of blindly trusting strangers.One of the reasons why I love this fairy tale is the strong female protagonist, Little Red Riding Hood, who demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness in the face of danger. Despite her young age and innocence, she manages to outwit the wolf and escape from his clutches. This aspect of the story highlights the resilience and intelligence of women and serves as a reminder of the strength that lies within each of us.Another reason why I am drawn to Little Red Riding Hood is the theme of family and the bond between generations. The relationship between Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother is portrayed as loving and caring, emphasizing the importance of family support and protection. The grandmother's role as a mentor and protector to her granddaughter adds depth and warmth to the story, showcasing the power of familial love and connection.In conclusion, Little Red Riding Hood is a timeless and captivating fairy tale that resonates with readers of all ages. Its themes of innocence, deception, and family provide important life lessons and reminders about the dangers and joys of the world. Through its memorable characters and gripping storyline, Little Red Riding Hood continues to enchant and inspire audiences around the world, making it my favorite fairy tale of all time.。
儿童英语故事、小学生双语故事(超全版)
Story 1 Three Good FriendsOne day, a monkey rides his bike near the river. This time he sees a lion under a tree. The lion runs at him. He is afraid and falls into the river. He can’t swim. He shouts. The rabbit hears him. He jumps into the river. Th e rabbit swims to the monkey, but he can’t help him. Luckily, an elephant comes along. He is very strong. He helps the rabbit and monkey. Three friends are very happy. They go to the elephant’s home. Then, three of them become good friends.故事一三个好朋友一天，一只猴子在河边骑车。
这时他看见树下有一只狮子，狮子向他跑来。
他非常的害怕，掉进河里。
他不会游泳，大叫起来。
兔子听见了，跳进水里，但他却没有办法救猴子。
幸运的是，一只大象过来了。
大象非常强壮，救出了兔子和猴子。
他们来到大象的家，在那里吃了一顿大餐。
从此他们成了好朋友。
Story 2 A Good BoyLittle Robert asked his mother for two cents. "What did you do with the money I gave you yesterday?""I gave it to a poor old woman," he answered."You're a good boy," said the mother proudly. "Here are two cents more. But why are you so interested in the old woman?""She is the one who sells the candy."故事二好孩子小罗伯特向妈妈要两分钱。
童话故事的英语(汇总13篇)
童话故事的英语（汇总13篇）童话故事的英语第1篇月亮和风Once upon a time, there were two very good friends who lived together in the shade of a Strange as it may seem, one was a lion and one was a They had met when they were too young to know the difference between lions and So they did not think their friendship was at all Besides, it was a peaceful part of the mountains, possibly due to the influence of a gentle forest monk who lived He was a hermit , one who lives far away from other For some unknown reason, one day the two friends got into a silly The tiger said, ;Everyone knows the cold netes when the moon wanes from full to new!; The lion said, ;Where did you hear such nonsense ? Everyone knows the cold netes when the moon waxes from new to full!; The argument got stronger and Neither could convince the They could not reach any conclusion to resolve the growing They even started calling each other names! Fearing for their friendship, they decided to go ask the learned forest monk, who would surely know about suchVisiting the peaceful hermit, the lion and tiger bowed respectfully and put their question to The friendly monk thought for a while and then gave his ;It can be cold in any phase of the moon, from new to full and back to new It is the wind that brings the cold, whether from west or north or Therefore, in a way, you are both right! And neither of you is defeated by the The most important thing is to live without conflict, to remain Unity is best by all ;The lion and tiger thanked the wise They were happy to still be从前，有两个很好的朋友住在一起在岩石的阴影。
小学英语英语故事(童话故事)AStory一个故事
A Story 一个故事All the apple trees in the garden were blooming. They had hastened to cover themselves with blossoms before their green leaves were fully unfolded. All the ducklings were in the farmyard, and so was the cat; it basked in the sun and tried to lick the sunshine from its own paws.And to look across the fields was a pleasing sight; there stood the corn, so beautifully green, while all the small birds chirped and twittered as happily as if they were having a great holiday.And, indeed, people could rightly think of this as a holiday, for it was Sunday. The bells were chiming while people in their best clothes were walking to church and looking so cheerful. It was such a bright, warm day that one might well say: "How good God is to grant us so many blessings!"But inside the church the preacher in the pulpit spoke in a loud and angry tone; he said that all humans were wicked and that God would certainly punish them by sending them to the eternal torments of hell when they died. He said that they would never find peace or rest in hell, for their consciences would never die nor would the fires ever be extinguished.This was terrible to hear, but still he went on as if the subject he was explaining were really true. He described hell to them as a stagnant cave, where all the impure and sinful of the world would be; there would be no air, only the hot sulphur flames, and no bottom there, and the wicked would sink deeper and deeper into eternal silence forever!It was horrible to hear this, but the preacher spoke from his heart, and all the people in the church were terrified.But the birds outside the church sang joyously, and the sun was shining warmly; it was as if each little bird were saying, "Nothing is so great as the loving-kindness of the Almighty!"Yes, outside the church, it was not at all like the preacher's sermon.Before the preacher went to bed that evening he noticed that his wife sat silent and thoughtful. "What's the matter with you?" he said to her."Why," she replied, "the matter with me is that I can't quite bring myself to agree with what you said today in your sermon. It doesn't seem right to say that so many sinners will be condemned to everlasting fire forever. Forever! Ah, how long! I'm only a poor sinful creature myself, but I can't believe in my heart that even the vilest sinner will be condemned to burn in torment forever! We know the mercy of the Almighty is as great as His power; He knows how people are tempted from without and within by their own evil natures. No, I do not believe it, even if you said so." It was autumn, the trees scattering their leaves on the ground, and the severe but earnest preacher sat beside the bed of a dying person. A faithful soul closed her eyes forever; it was the preacher's wife."If anyone can find peace and rest in the grave, through God's mercy, it is you!" sighed the preacher, as he folded her hands and read a psalm over the dead woman.She was laid in her grave. Two large tears rolled down the cheeks of the sincere man, and in the parsonage everything seemed so empty and still. The sunshine of his home had vanished, for she had gone.It was night, and a cold wind blew over the head of the preacher. He opened his eyes and it seemed to him that the moon was shining into the room, but there was no moonlight. A figure stood beside his bed, and the spirit of his deceased wife shone upon him. Earnestly and sadly she looked at him, as if she had something on her mind that she wanted to say to him.He half raised himself in bed, stretched out his arms to her, and cried, "Then even you aren't permitted to rest in peace forever? Must you suffer, too? You, the best, the most pious!"The dead bowed her head as if to say "yes," and laid her hand on her heart. "And can I give you peace in the grave?" he asked."Yes," was the distinct reply."And how?""Bring me a hair, just one single hair, from the head of just one sinner whom God will condemn to eternal torture in hell.""Yes, you should be freed that easily, you pure, you pious woman!" he said. "Then follow me," said the dead. It has been granted us that you can fly through the air by my side, wherever your thoughts are directed. To mortals we shall be invisible, and able to pass unseen through the closed and bolted doors of inner rooms. But you must be certain that the man you point out to me as eternally damned is really one whom God will condemn to the torments of hell-fire forever, and he must be found before the cock crows."And quickly, as if carried by the wings of thoughts, they arrived at the great city. On the walls of the houses letters of living flame gave the names of the deadly sins: Arrogance, Greed, Drunkenness, Wantonness-in fact, the whole seven-colored bow of sin."Yes, in these houses, as I thought, as I knew," said the preacher, "live those who will be punished forever."And then they stood before a brilliantly lighted gate. The broad steps were covered with flowers and carpets, while from the festive rooms came the sounds of music and dancing.A footman dressed in velvet and silk, with a large silverhandled stick in his hand, stood erect near the door."Our ball is as splendid as those at the palace of the king," said he, and turned toward the people outside. From tip to toe his thoughts were evident: "Poor beggars who stare in at the gate; compared to me, you people are only cattle!" "Arrogance," said the dead wife. "Do you see him?""Him!" replied the preacher. "Yes, but this man is only a fool and a simpleton. He'll not be condemned to everlasting fire or eternal torment.""Only a fool!" echoed through the whole house of Arrogance; they were all fools there. Then they flew within the four bare walls of a miser's room-where, skinny, shivering with cold, hungry and thirsty, an old, old man clung desperately with all his thoughtsto his gold. They saw how he, as in a fever, sprang from his miserable bed and took a loose stone out of the wall. There lay a stocking crammed full of gold pieces. The man kept fumbling in his ragged pockets, where he had sewn more gold, and his clammy fingers trembled."He is ill; it is insanity, a dreadful insanity. Haunted by terrors and evil dreams!" Swiftly they left the miser's room, and stood before a dormitory of a jail, where the prisoners slept close together in long rows. Suddenly one of them started up in his sleep and uttered the terrible cry of a wild beast! With his pointed elbow, he gave his companion a ferocious blow, and the latter turned around sleepily: "Shut up, you beast, and go to sleep! You go on like this every night!""Every night!" the man repeated. "Yes, every night he howls and torments me like this. I have committed many wrongs because of the passionate temper with which I was born. Twice my wicked temper has brought me here, but if I have done wrong, I am certainly being punished for it."There is only one thing I have not confessed. The last time I went out from here and passed by my master's farm, evil thoughts rose within me. I struck a match against the wall; it came a bit too close to the thatched roof. The heat seized onto the straw, as it often seizes onto me, and everything was burned. I helped to rescue the house property and the animals; no living creature perished, except a flock of pigeons which flew right into the fire, and also the yard dog, which was chained up. I had not thought of him. One could hear him howl, and that howl I can still hear when I want to sleep, and when I do fall asleep, the dog comes also. He is very large, with thick, shaggy fur, and he lies on me and howls and squeezes me until I am nearly choked. Now listen to what I tell you! You all can sleep and snore the whole night, but I can sleep for only a short quarter of an hour." And the blood rose to the head of the tormented; he threw himself upon his comrade and struck him in the face with his clenched fist."The madman is raging again!" everyone cried. Then the other criminals threw themselves on him, wrestled with him, bent his body down until his head was forced between his legs, and then bound him so tightly that the blood seemed about to burst from his eyes and his pores."You're killing him!" cried the preacher, and stretched his protecting hand over the sinner who had already suffered severely.Then the scene changed. Unseen they glided through rich homes, as well as through the huts of the poor. Wantonness and envy, and all the deadly sins, passed before them.An angel from the judgment seat appeared, to read to each of them their sins and their excuses. These excuses meant little to God, for He reads the hearts; He knows every hidden sin that dwells there; He knows the temptations that are before us in the outer world as well as in our own hearts, and knows when to show mercy and pitying love.The preacher's hand trembled, and now he dared not stretch it out to pluck a single hair from the head of any sinner. Tears streamed from his eyes as he thought of the fountain of mercy and love, which can quench even the everlasting fire of hell.And then the cock crowed!"All-merciful God, I pray Thee grant her that peace in the grave which I have not been able to produce for her!""I have it now," said the dead wife. "It was your hard words and your gloomy belief in God and His creatures that drove me to you. Learn to know mankind. Even the soul of the wicked is a part of God Himself, a part that will conquer and extinguish even hell-fire forever."The preacher felt a kiss upon his lips, and a light streamed about him. God's bright sunshine shone into the room, and his living wife stood beside him, tender and loving. She had awakened him from a dream sent him by God.The End。
小学英语 英语故事(童话故事)In the Duck Yard 在养鸭场里
In the Duck Yard 在养鸭场里A duck arrived from Portugal. Some people said she came from Spain, but that doesn't really matter. She was called the Portuguese; she laid eggs, and was killed and dressed and cooked; that's the story of her life. But all the ducklings that were hatched from her eggs were also called Portuguese, and there's some distinction in that. At last there was only one left of her whole family in the duck yard - a yard to which the hens also had access, and where the cock strutted about with endless arrogance."His loud crowing annoys me," said the Portuguese Duck. "But there's no denying he's a handsome bird, even if he isn't a drake. Of course, he should moderate his voice, but that's an art that comes from higher education, such as the little songbirds over in our neighbours lime trees have. How sweetly they sing; There's something so touching over their melodies; I call it Portugal. If I only had a little songbird like that I'd be a kind and good mother to him, for that's in my blood - my Portuguese blood!"While she was speaking, suddenly a little songbird fell head over heels from the roof into the yard. The cat had been chasing him, but the bird escaped with a broken wing and fell down into the duck yard."That's just like the cat, that monster!" said the Portuguese Duck. "I remember his tricks from when I had ducklings of my own. That such a creature should be permitted to live and roam about on the roofs! I'm sure such things could not happen in Portugal!"She pitied the little Songbird, and even the other ducks who weren't Portuguese felt pity for him, too."Poor little fellow," they said, and then one after another came up to look at him. "Of course, we can't sing," they said, "but we have an inner understanding of song, or something like that. We can feel it, even if we don't talk about it.""Then I will talk about it," said the Portuguese. "And I'll do something for this little fellow; it's only my duty." And then she stepped into the water trough and thrashed her wings about the water so vigorously that the little Songbird was almost drowned by the shower he got, but he knew the Duck meant well. "There, that's a good deed," she said. "The others may observe it and profit by my example.""Peep!" said the little Bird; one of his wings was broken, and he was finding it difficult to shake himself, but he quite understood that the bath was meant kindly. "You're very kindhearted, madam," he said, hoping she wouldn't give him another shower."I never thought much about my heart," said the Portuguese. "But I know this much - I love all my fellow creatures except the cat; nobody could expect me to love him, for he ate up two of my ducklings. Now make yourself at home, for you can be quite comfortable here. I myself am a foreigner, as you can tell from my bearing and my feather dress. My drake is a native of this country; he doesn't have my blood, but still I'm not proud. If anyone in this yard can understand you, I may safely say it is I.""Her beak is full of portulaca," said a common little Duck, who was considered very witty. All the other common ducks decided the word portulaca was very funny, for it sounded like Portugal. They poked each other and said, "Quack!" He was really so witty! And now all the other ducks began to pay attention to the little Songbird. "The Portuguese certainly has a great command of language," they said. "For our part, we haven't room in our beaks for such big words, but we have just as much sympathy, anyway. Even if we don't actually do anything for you, at least we will go about quietly with you; and that we think is the nicest thing we can do.""You have a lovely voice," said one of the older Ducks. "It must be a great satisfaction to you to give so many as much pleasure as you do. I don't really understand singing, so I keep my beak shut; that's better than chattering nonsense to you the way the others do.""Don't bother him," said the Portuguese. "He needs rest and care. My little Songbird, do you want me to give you another shower bath?""Oh, no, please let me stay dry!" he begged."The water cure is the only that does me any good when I'm sick," said the Portuguese. "But amusement helps, too. The neighboring hens will soon be coming to visit us; there are two Chinese hens among them. They wear breeches, are well educated, and have been imported, so they stand higher than the others in my esteem."And the hens came, and the Cock came with them; today he was polite enough not to be rude. "You're a true songbird," he said, "and you do all you possibly can with such a small voice as yours. But you should have a little steam power, so everyone would hear that you are a male."The two Chinese were enraptured at the appearance of the Songbird. He was still very much rumpled up after his bath, so he looked to them like a little China chicken."He's charming!" they cried, and then engaged themselves in conversation with him; they talked in whispers and with a p-sound, in elegant Chinese. "We belong to your race."The Ducks, even the Portuguese one, are swimming birds, as you must have noticed. You don't know us yet; not very many people take the trouble to know us - not even any of the hens, though we were born to occupy a higher perch than most of the others. But that doesn't bother us; we go our way quietly among the others, whose ideals are quite different from ours. We look only at the bright side of things, and mention only what's good, though it's sometimes difficult to find something like that when there isn't anything. Besides us two and the Cock, there is no one in the whole hen yard who is talented. And honesty does not exist among the inhabitants of this duck yard. "We warn you, little Songbird, don't trust that one over there with the short feathers in her tail - she's tricky. The spotted one there, with the crooked stripes on her wings, is always looking for an argument and won't let anybody have the last word, though she's always in the wrong. The fat Duck over there never has a good thing to say about anybody, and that is contrary to our nature; if we haven't something good to say, we keep our beaks shut. The Portuguese is the only one who has a little education and whom one can associate with, but she's hot-tempered and talks too much about Portugal.""How those two Chinese are always whispering!" said one of the Ducks. "They annoy me; I have never spoken to them."Now the Drake came up; and he thought the little Songbird was a sparrow."Well, I don't see any difference," he said. "It's all the same, anyway. He's just a plaything, and if you have one, why, you have one.""Don't pay any attention to what he says," the Portuguese whispered. "He is a very respectable businessman, and with him business always comes first. But now I'm going to lie down for a rest. You owe that to yourself, so you'll be nice and fat when the time comes to be embalmed with apples and plums."And then she lay down in the sun and blinked one eye; she lay so comfortably and felt so well, and so she slept very comfortably.The little Songbird busied himself with his broken wing, but finally he too lay down, pressed close beside his patroness; the sun was bright and warm; it was a good place to be.The neighbor's hens scurried about, scratching up the earth, for, to tell the truth, they had come visiting solely for the sake of getting something to eat. The Chinese were the first to leave the duck yard, and the other hens soon followed them.The witty little Duck was talking about the Portuguese and said the old lady was on the brink of "Duckdom's dotage." At this the other Ducks chuckled. "Duckdom's dotage!" they cackled. "That's unusually witty!" Then they repeated the other joke about portulaca - that was very amusing to them - and then they lay down.They had been sleeping for some time when suddenly some food was thrown in for them. It landed with such a thump that the whole flock started up from sleep and flapped their wings. The Portuguese woke up, too, and rolled over on the other side, squeezing the little Songbird very hard as she did so."Peep!" he said. "You stepped so hard on me, madam.""Well, why do you lie in the way?" she said. "You mustn't be so touchy. I have nerves, too, but I have never yet said, 'Peep!' ""Please don't be angry," said the little Bird. "The 'Peep' slipped off my beak before I knew it." The Portuguese didn't listen to him, but began gobbling as fast as she could, until she had made a good meal. When she had finished, she lay down again, and the little Bird came up and tried to please her by singing:Tillee-lilly-lee,Of your heart with gleeI shall sing with loveWhen I fly above!"I need to rest after my meal," said the Portuguese. "While you're here you must follow the house rules. I want to take a nap now."The little Songbird was quite bewildered, for he had only tried to please her. When she awoke later he stood before her with a grain of corn he had found and laid it in front of her; but as she hadn't slept well she was in a very bad humor."You can give that to a chicken!" she said. "And don't stand and hang over me!""Why are you angry with me?" he asked. "What have I done?""Done?" said the Portuguese. "Your manner of expression isn't very refined; I must call your attention to that.""Yesterday it was all sunshine here," said the little Bird. "But today it's dark and cloudy. It makes me very sad.""You don't know much about weather, I guess," said the Portuguese. "The day isn't over yet. Don't just stand there looking stupid.""But you're looking at me just as those two wicked eyes did when I fell into the yard!" "Impudent!" said the Portuguese. "Comparing me with the cat - a beast of prey! There's not a drop of wicked blood in me! I've stood up for you, and I'll have to teach you good manners." And with that she bit off the Songbird's head, and he lay there dead. "Now what does this mean?" she said. "Couldn't he even stand that? Then he certainly wasn't intended for this world. I know I've been like a mother to him, because I have such a good heart."And then the neighbor's Cock stuck his head into the yard and crowed like a steam engine. "Your crowing will kill me!" she cried. "It's all your fault! He's lost his head, and I've nearly lost mine.""There isn't much left of him," said the Cock."You speak of him with respect," said the Portuguese, "because he had a voice and a fine education. He was tender and soft, and that's as good in animals as in so-called human beings."And all the Ducks gathered around the little dead Songbird. Ducks have strong passions, whether they feel envy or pity, and since there was no one here to envy, they all felt pity, and so did even the two Chinese hens."We'll never find such a songbird again; he was almost a Chinese," and they both wept with a great clucking noise. All the other chickens clucked, too, but the Ducks walked around with the reddest eyes."We have hearts," they said. "Nobody can deny that.""Hearts!" said the Portuguese. "Yes, that we have; they're almost as tender as in Portugal." "Let us now think about getting something in our stomachs," said the Drake. "That's the most important thing. If one of our playthings is broken, why, we have plenty more of them!"。
适合二年级的英语故事
适合二年级的英语故事二年级是小学的重要阶段，学生们开始逐渐熟悉英语学习。
为了帮助他们更好地学习英语，我们需要给他们提供一些适合他们年龄段阅读的英语故事。
本篇文章将为大家推荐一些适合二年级学生阅读的英语故事。
1. The Lion and the Mouse这是一个寓言故事，教育孩子们要善良、勇敢和正直。
故事讲述了一只小老鼠不小心落入了一只狮子的爪子中，但是狮子最终被老鼠保存了性命，因为老鼠帮助狮子摆脱了绳索的束缚。
这个故事很简单，文化背景也简单，可以透过小动物来教导孩子们重视友谊、帮助他人和感恩。
2. The Ugly Duckling这个故事是安徒生童话中的一个经典故事，适合年龄段稍微偏大的二年级学生。
故事的主人公是一只丑小鸭，自己不明白自己的长相与其他动物格格不入。
但是随着时间的推移，它慢慢长成了一只美丽的天鹅，并获得了大家的认可和喜爱。
故事给予孩子们关于人与动物之间的接纳和差异是重要的讯息。
3. The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse这个寓言故事源自于公元前一世纪的欧洲，讲述了一个城里老鼠和一个乡下老鼠的故事。
乡下老鼠的生活十分辛苦，城里老鼠提供了许多食物和安全的地方让乡下老鼠享受生活，但最终乡下老鼠发现它还是喜欢安静而安全的乡村生活，才决定离开城里老鼠。
这个故事教育孩子们要珍惜自己所拥有的东西，不要盲目地羡慕其他人所拥有的。
4. The Ant and the Grasshopper这个寓言故事是拉伯雷的一部分故事集，教育孩子们要勤奋，珍惜时间。
故事讲述了一只蚂蚁和一只蚱蜢的故事。
蚂蚁在夏天努力工作，为寒冬做准备，而蚱蜢则只知道唱歌跳舞，对未来没有任何计划。
当冬天来临的时候，蚂蚁因为努力工作而获得了丰厚的回报，而蚱蜢则因为没有准备而面临饥寒交迫的困境。
这个故事通过简单的比较，教孩子们要珍惜时间，尤其是在现在这个快节奏的社会中。
5. The Little Red Hen这个故事是一个流行的寓言故事，教育孩子们要勇于承担责任。
英语安徒生童话故事：The Butterfly蝴蝶
英语安徒生童话故事：The Butterfly蝴蝶THERE was once a butterfly who wished for a bride, and,as may be supposed, he wanted to choose a very pretty onefrom among the flowers. He glanced, with a very critical eye, atall the flower-beds.He found that the flowers were seated quietly anddemurely on their stalks, just as maidens should sit before they are engaged; but there was a great number of them, andit appeared as if his search would become verywearisome. The butterfly did not like to take too much trouble, so he flewoff on a visit to the daisies. The French call this flower "Marguerite," and they say that the little daisy can prophesy. Lovers pluck off the leaves, and as they pluck each leaf,they ask a question about their lovers; thus： "Does he orshe love me?- Ardently? Distractedly? Very much? A little?Not at all?" and so on. Every one speaks these words inhisown language. The butterfly came also to Marguerite to inquire, but he did not pluck off her leaves; he pressed akiss on each of them, for he thought there was always more to be done by kindness."Darling Marguerite daisy," he said to her, "you are the wisest woman of all the flowers. Pray tell me which of the flowers I shall choose for my wife. Which will be my bride? When I know, I will fly directly to her, and propose."But Marguerite did not answer him; she was offended thathe should call her a woman when she was only a girl; andthere is a great difference. He asked her a second time, and then a third; but she remained dumb, and answered not a word.Then he would wait no longer, but flew away, to commence his wooing at once. It was in the early spring, when the crocus and the snowdrop were in full bloom."They are very pretty," thought the butterfly; "charming little lasses; but they are rather formal."Then, as the young lads often do, he looked out for the elder girls. He next flew to the anemones; these were rather sour to his taste. The violet, a little too sentimental. The lime-blossoms, too small, and besides, there was such a large family of them. The apple-blossoms, though they looked like roses, bloomed to-day, but might fall off to-morrow, with the first wind that blew; and he thought that a marriage with one of them might last too short a time. The pea-blossom pleased him most of all; she was white and red, graceful and slender, and belonged to those domestic maidens who have a pretty appearance, and can yet be useful in the kitchen. He was just about to make her an offer, when, close by the maiden, he saw a pod, with a withered flower hanging at the end."Who is that?" he asked."That is my sister," replied the pea-blossom."Oh, indeed; and you will be like her some day," said he; and he flew away directly, for he felt quite shocked.A honeysuckle hung forth from the hedge, in full bloom; but there were so many girls like her, with long faces and sallow complexions. No; he did not like her. But which one did he like?Spring went by, and summer drew towards its close; autumn came; but he had not decided. The flowers now appeared in their most gorgeous robes, but all in vain; they had not the fresh, fragrant air of youth. For the heart asks for fragrance, even when it is no longer young; and there isvery little of that to be found in the dahlias or the dry chrysanthemums; therefore the butterfly turned to the mint on the ground. You know, this plant has no blossom; but it is sweetness all over,- full of fragrance from head to foot, with the scent of a flower in every leaf."I will take her," said the butterfly; and he made her an offer. But the mint stood silent and stiff, as she listened to him. At last she said,-"Friendship, if you please; nothing more. I am old, and you are old, but we may live for each other just the same; as to marrying- no; don't let us appear ridiculous at our age."And so it happened that the butterfly got no wife at all. He had been too long choosing, which is always a bad plan. And the butterfly became what is called an old bachelor.It was late in the autumn, with rainy and cloudy weather. The cold wind blew over the bowed backs of the willows, so that they creaked again. It was not the weather for flying about in summer clothes; but fortunately the butterfly was not out in it. He had got a shelter by chance. It was in a room heated by a stove, and as warm as summer. He could exist here, he said, well enough."But it is not enough merely to exist," said he, "I need freedom, sunshine, and a little flower for a companion."Then he flew against the window-pane, and was seen and admired by those in the room, who caught him, and stuck him on a pin, in a box of curiosities. They could not do more for him."Now I am perched on a stalk, like the flowers," said the butterfly. "It is not very pleasant, certainly; I should imagine it is something like being married; for here I am stuck fast." And with this thought he consoled himself a little."That seems very poor consolation," said one of the plants in the room, that grew in a pot."Ah," thought the butterfly, "one can't very well trust these plants in pots; they have too much to do with mankind."蝴蝶一只蝴蝶想要找一个恋人。
小学英语 英语故事(童话故事)The A B C Book 识字课本
The A.B.C.Book 识字课本Once there was a man who had written some new rhymes for the A-B-C Book - two lines for each letter, just as in the old A-B-C Book. He believed the old rhymes were too antiquated, that something new was needed, and he thought well indeed of his own rhymes.His new A-B-C Book was still only in handwriting, and already it had been placed beside the old printed one in the great bookcase where there stood many books, both of knowledge and for amusement. But the old A-B-C Book didn't want to be a neighbor to the new one, and therefore had sprung down from the shelf and at the same time had given the new one a push, so that it, as well as the old one, now lay on the floor, with all its loose leaves scattered about.The old A-B-C Book lay open at the first page - and that is the most important page, for there all the letters, large and small, are displayed. That one page contains on it the essence of all the books that ever were written; it contains the alphabet, that wonderful army of signs which rules the world; truly a marvelous power they have! Everything depends on the order in which they are commanded to stand; they have the power to give life or to kill, to gladden and to sadden. Separately they mean nothing, but marshaled and ranked in word formations, what can they not accomplish! Yes, when God put them into man's thoughts, human strength became inferior to that which lay in the alphabet, and we yielded with a deep bow. There, then, they lay now, facing upward, and the Cock which was pictured at the big A of the alphabet gleamed with feathers of red, blue, and green. Proudly he puffed himself up and ruffled his plumage, for he knew how important the letters were and that he was the only living thing among them.When he found the old A-B-C Book had fallen open on the floor, he flapped his wings, flew out, and perched himself on a corner of the bookcase. There he preened himself with his beak and crowed loudly and long. Every single book in the case, all of which would stand day and night, as if in a trance when nobody was reading them, was roused by his trumpet call. Then the Cock spoke out loudly and clearly about the way the worthy old A-B-C Book had been insulted."Everything has to be new and different nowadays," he said. "Everything has to be advanced. Children are so wise that they can read before they have even learned the alphabet. 'They should have something new!' said the man who wrote those new verses sprawling there on the floor. I know them all by heart; he admires them so much that I have heard him read them aloud more than ten times over. No, I prefer my own, the good old rhymes with Xanthus for X, and with the pictures that belong to them! I'll fight for them and crow for them! Every book in the case here knows them very well. Now I'll read aloud these new rhymes. I'll try to read them patiently, and I know we'll all agree they're worthless.A - AdamHad Adam obeyed, he'd not have had to leaveThe Garden where first dwelt he and Eve.B - Bank; BeeThe Bank is a place where you put your money;The Bee is an insect that gathers honey."Now that verse I find profoundly insipid!" said the Cock. "But I'll read on.C - ColumbusColumbus sailed the ocean to the distant shore,And then the earth became twice as big as before.D - DenmarkAbout the kingdom of Denmark, there's a saying which goesGod's hand protects it, as every Dane knows."That many people will consider beautiful," said the Cock. "But I don't. I see nothing beautiful about it. But I'll go on.E - ElephantThe Elephant has a heavy step,Though young in heart and full of pep.F - FaceThe Moon above feels at its bestWhen an eclipse gives its Face a rest.G - GoatIt is easier to sail a boatThan to teach manners to a Goat!H - HurrahHurrah is a word we often hear;How often does the deed merit such cheer?"How will a child understand that!" said the Cock. "I suppose they'll put on the title page, 'A-B-C Book for Big People and Little People'; but the big people have something else to do besides read the rhymes in A-B-C Books, and the little people won't be able to understand them. There is a limit to everything. But to continue: J - JobWe have a Job to do on earthTill earth becomes our final berth."Now, that's crude!" said the Cock.K - KittenWhen Kittens grow up we call them catsAnd hope they'll catch our mice and rats.L - LionThe savage Lion has much more senseThan the arty critic's stinging offense!"How are you going to explain that one to children?" said the Cock.M - Morning SunThe golden Morning sun arose,But not because of the cock's crows."Now he's getting personal!" said the Cock. "But then I'm in excellent company. I'm in company with the sun. Let's go on.N - NegroBlack is a Negro, black as Night,And we cannot wash him white!O - Olive LeafThe best of leaves - you know its name?The dove's Olive leaf - of Bible fame.P - PeaceThat Peace may ever reign, far and near,Is indeed a hope we all hold dear.Q - Queen; QuackA Queen is a lady of royal position.A Quack is a fake and not a physician.R - RoundOne may be Round and well extended,But that doesn't mean one is well descended!S - SwineBe not a braggart; be honest and true,Though many Swine in the forest belong to you!"Will you permit me to crow!" said the Cock. "It tries your strength, reading so much; I must catch my breath." And then he crowed, shrill as a trumpet of brass, and it was a great pleasure to listen to - for the Cock. "I'll go on.T - Teakettle; Tea UrnThe Teakettle in the kitchen will always belong,And yet to the Tea urn it gives its song.U - UniverseOur Universe will always be,Through ages to eternity."Now that is meant to be deep!" said the Cock. "It's so deep I can't get to the bottom of it!W - WasherwomanA Washerwoman will wash and scrubUntil there's nothing left but the tub!"Now, it's certainly impossible that he can have found anything new for X.X - XantippeIn the sea of marriage are rocks of strife,As Socrates found with Xantippe, his wife."He would have to take Xantippe! Xanthus is much better.Y - YgdrasilUnder Ygdrasil tree the gods sat every day;But the tree is dead and the gods have gone away."Now we are almost through," said the Cock. "That's a relief. I'll continue on. Z - ZephyrZephyr, in Danish, is a west wind so coldIt penetrates fur and skin, we're told."That's that. But that's not the end of it. Now it will be printed and then it will be read. It will be offered in place of the noble old rhymes in my book. What says this assembly - learned and not so learned, single volumes and collected works? What says the alphabet? I have spoken; now let the others act."The books stood still, and the bookcase stood still; but the Cock flew back to his place at the capital A in the old A-B-C Book and looked proudly around. "I have spoken well, and I have crowed well. The new A-B-C Book can't do anything like that. It will certainly die; in fact, it's dead already, for it has no Cock!"。
小学英语 英语故事(童话故事)She Was Good for Nothing 她是一个废物
She Was Good for Nothing 她是一个废物The mayor was standing at his open window; he was wearing a dress shirt with a dainty breastpin in its frill. He was very well shaven, self-done, though he had cut himself slightly and had stuck a small bit of newspaper over the cut."Listen, youngster!" he boomed.The youngster was none other than the washerwoman's son, who respectfully took off his cap as he passed. This cap was broken at the rim, so that he could put it into his pocket. In his poor but clean and very neatly mended clothes, and his heavy wooden shoes, the boy stood as respectfully as if he were before the king."You're a good boy, a well-behaved lad!" said the Mayor. "I suppose your mother is washing down at the river, and no doubt you are going to bring her what you have in your pocket. That's an awful thing with your mother! How much have you there?" "A half pint," said the boy in a low, trembling voice."And this morning she had the same?" continued the Mayor."No, it was yesterday!" answered the boy."Two halves make a whole! She is no good! It is sad there are such people. Tell your mother she ought to be ashamed of herself. Don't you become a drunkard-but I suppose you will! Poor child! Run along now."And the boy went, still holding his cap in his hand, while the wind rippled the waves of his yellow hair. He went down the street and through an alley to the river, where his mother stood at her washing stool in the water, beating the heavy linen with a wooden beater. The current was strong, for the mill's sluices were open; the bed sheet was dragged along by the stream and nearly swept away her washing stool, and the woman had all she could do to stand up against it."I was almost carried away," she said. "It's a good thing you've come, for I need something to strengthen me. It's so cold in the water; I've been standing here for six hours. Have you brought me anything?"The boy drew forth a flask, and his mother put it to her lips and drank a little. "Oh, that does me good! How it warms me! It's just as good as hot food, and it isn't as expensive! Drink, my boy! You look so pale, and you're freezing in your thin clothes. Remember it is autumn. Ooh, the water is cold! If only I don't get ill! But I won't. Give me a little more, and drink some yourself, but only a little drop, for you mustn't get used to it, my poor dear child!"And she walked out of the water and up onto the bridge where the boy stood. The water dripped from the straw mat that she had tied around her waist and from her petticoat. "I work and slave till the blood runs out at my fingernails, but I do it gladly if I can bring you up honestly, my sweet child!"Just then came an elderly woman, poorly clad, lame in one leg, and with an enormously large, false curl hanging down over one of her eyes, which was blind. This curl was supposed to hide the eye, but it only made the defect the more conspicuous. The neighbors called her "limping Maren with the curl," and she was an old friend of the washerwoman's."You poor thing," she cried, "slaving and toiling in the cold water! You certainly need something to warm you a little, and yet the gossips cry about the few drops you take!" And soon all that the Mayor had said to the boy was repeated to his mother, for Maren had overheard it, and it had angered her to hear him talk so to the child about his own mother and the few drops she took, because on that same day the Mayor was having a big dinner party with many bottles of wine."Good wine, strong wine! Many will drink more than they should, but they don't call that drinking. They are all right, but you are good for nothing!""What! Did the Mayor really say that, child?" asked the laundress, her lips quivering. "So you have a mother who is good for nothing! Perhaps he's right, though he shouldn't say so to a child. But I mustn't complain; good things have come to me from that house.""Why, yes, you were in service there, when the Mayor's parents were alive. That was many years ago. Many bushels of salt have been eaten since then, so people may well be thirsty! laughed Maren. "The big dinner today at the Mayor's would have been postponed if everything hadn't been prepared. I heard the news from the porter. A letter came, an hour ago, telling them that the Mayor's younger brother, in Copenhagen, is dead.""Dead!" cried the laundress, turning as white as a ghost."What does it matter to you" said Maren. "Of course, you must have known him, since you worked in the house.""Is he really dead? He was the best and kindest of men-indeed, there aren't many like him!" Tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Oh, my God! Everything is going around! That's because I emptied the bottle. I couldn't stand so much. I feel so ill!" And she leaned against the fence for support."Good heavens, you are ill, indeed!" said Maren. "Try to get over it! No, you really are sick! I'd better get you home!""But the washing there!""I'll take care of that. Here, give me your arm. The boy can stay here and watch it till I come back and wash what's left. It's only a few pieces."The poor laundress' legs were trembling under her. "I've stood too long in the cold water, with no food since yesterday! I have a burning fever. Oh, dear Lord Jesus, help me to get home! Oh, my poor child!" And she wept.The boy cried too, as he sat alone beside the river, guarding the wet linen. The two women made their way slowly, the washerwoman dragging her shaky limbs up the little alley and through the street where the Mayor lived. Just as she reached the front of his house, she sank down on the cobblestones. A crowd gathered around her. Limping Maren ran into his yard for help. The Mayor and his guests came to the windows. "It's the washerwoman!" he said. "She's had a bit too much to drink; she's no good! It's a pity for that handsome boy of hers, I really like that child, but his mother is good for nothing."And the washerwoman was brought to her own humble room, where she was put to bed. Kindly Maren hastened to prepare a cup of warm ale with butter and sugar-she could think of no better medicine in such a case-and then returned to the river, where,although she meant well, she did a very poor job with the washing; she only pulled the wet clothes out of the water and put them into a basket.That evening she appeared again in the washerwoman's miserable room. She had begged from the Mayor's cook a couple of roasted potatoes and a fine fat piece of ham for the sick woman. Maren and the boy feasted on these, but the patient was satisfied with the smell, "For that was very nourishing," she said.The boy was put to bed, in the same one in which his mother slept, lying crosswise at his mother's feet, with a blanket of old blue and red carpet ends sewed together. The laundress felt a little better now; the warm ale had given her strength, and the smell of the good food had been nourishing."Thank you, my kind friend," she said to Maren, "I'll tell you all about it, while the boy is asleep. He's sleeping already; see how sweet he looks with his eyes closed. He doesn't think of his mother's sufferings; may our Lord never let him feel their equal! Well, I was in service at the Councilor's, the Mayor' parents, when their youngest son came home from his studies. I was a carefree young girl then, but honest-I must say that before heaven. And the student was so pleasant and jolly; every drop of blood in his veins was honest and true; a better young man never lived. He was a son of the house, and I was only a servant, but we became sweethearts-all honorably; a kiss is no sin, after all, if people really love each other. And he told his mother that he loved me. She was an angel in his eyes, wise and kind and loving. And when he went away again he put his gold ring on my finger."After he had gone my mistress called me in to speak to me; she looked so grave and yet so kind, and spoke as wisely as an angel indeed. She pointed out to me the gulf of difference, both mentally and materially, that lay between her son and me. 'Now he is attracted by your good looks, but that will fade in time. You haven't received his education; intellectually you can never rise to his level. I honor the poor,' she continued, ' and I know that there is many a poor man who will sit in a higher seat in the kingdom of heaven than many a rich man; but that is no reason for crossing the barrier in this world. Left to yourselves, you two would drive your carriage full tilt against obstacles, until it toppled over with you both. Now I know that Erik, the glovemaker, a good, honest craftsman, wants to marry you; he is a well-to-do widower with no children. Think it over!'"Every word my mistress spoke went through my heart like a knife, but I knew she was right, and that weighed heavily upon me. I kissed her hand, and my bitter tears fell upon it. But still bitterer tears fell when I lay upon my bed in my own room. Oh, the long, dreary night that followed-our Lord alone knows how I suffered! "Not until I went to church on Sunday did peace of mind come after my pain. It seemed the working of Providence that as I left the church I met Erik himself. There were no doubts in my mind now; we were suited to each other, both in rank and in means; he was even a well-to-do man. So I went straight up to him, took his hand, and asked, 'Do you still think of me?'" 'Yes, always and forever,' he said." 'Do you want to marry a girl who likes and respects you, but does not love you?' " 'I believe love will come,' he said, and then we joined hands."I went home to my mistress. The gold ring that her son had given me I had been wearing every day next to my heart, and every night on my finger in bed, but now I drew it out. I kissed it until my lips bled, then gave it to my mistress and told her that next week the banns would be read for me and the glovemaker."My mistress took me in her arms and kissed me; she didn't say I was good for nothing, but at that time I was perhaps better than I am now, for I had not yet known the misfortunes of the world. The wedding was at Candlemas, and for our first year we were quite happy. My husband had a workman and an apprentice with him, and you, Maren, were our servant.""Oh, and such a good mistress you were!" said Maren. "I shall never forget how kind you and your husband were to me!""Ah, but you were with us during our good times! We had no children then. I never saw the student again. Oh, yes, I saw him once, but he didn't see me. He came to his mother's funeral, and I saw him standing by her grave, looking so sad and pale-but that was all for his mother's sake. When his father died later he was abroad and didn't come to that funeral. He didn't come here again; he became a lawyer, and he never married, I know. But he thought no more of me, and if he had seen me he would certainly have never recognized me, ugly as I am now. And it is all for the best!" Then she went on to tell of the bitter days of hardship, when misfortune had fallen upon them. They had saved five hundred dollars, and since in their neighborhood a house could be bought for two hundred, they considered it a good investment to buy one, tear it down, and build again. So the house was bought, and the bricklayers and carpenters estimated that the new house would cost a thousand and twenty dollars. Erik had credit and borrowed that sum in Copenhagen, but the captain who was to have brought the money was shipwrecked and the money lost."It was just then that my darling boy, who lies sleeping there, was born. Then his father had a long and severe illness, and for nine months I even had to dress and undress him every day. We kept on going backward. We had to borrow more and more; one by one all our possessions were sold; and at last Erik died. Since then I have worked and slaved for the boy's sake, have gone out scrubbing floors and washing linen, done coarse work or fine, whatever I could get. But I was not to be better off; it is the Lord's will! He will take me away and find better provisions for my child." Then she fell asleep.In the morning she seemed better and decided she was strong enough to return to her work. But the moment she felt the cold water a shivering seized her; she grasped about convulsively with her hands, took one step forward, and fell. Her head lay on the dry bank, but her feet were in the water of the river; her wooden shoes, in each of which there was a handful of straw, were carried away by the current. And here she was found by Maren, when she came to bring her some coffee.A message had come to her lodging that the Mayor wanted to see her, for he had something to say to her. It was too late. A doctor was summoned; the poor washerwoman was dead."She has drunk herself to death," said the Mayor.The letter that had brought the Mayor the news of his brother's death also gave a summary of his will, and among other bequests he had left six hundred dollars to the glovemaker's widow, who had formerly served his parents! The money was to be paid at discretion in large or small sums to her and her child."There was some nonsense about love between my brother and her," said the Mayor. "It's just as well she's out of the way. Now it will all come to the boy, and I'll place him with some honest people who will make him a good workman." And on these words our Lord laid his blessings.And the Mayor sent for the boy, promised to take care of him, and told him it was a lucky thing his mother was dead; she was good for nothing.They carried her to the churchyard, to a pauper's grave. Maren planted a little rose tree on her grave, while the boy stood beside her."My darling mother," he said as the tears started from his eyes. "Is it true that she was good for nothing?""No, it is not true!" said the old woman, looking up to heaven. "I have known it for many years and especially since the night before she died. I tell you she was a good and fine woman, and our Lord in heaven will say so, too, so let the world say: 'She was good for nothing!' "。