I heard all about it the other day from a critic who was walking round the pond with a young man . He spoke of the matter at great length , and I am sure he must have been right , for he had blue spectacles and a bald head , and whenever the young man made any remark , he always answered ` Pooh ! ' But pray go on with your story . I like the Miller immensely . I have all kinds of beautiful sentiments myself , so there is a great sympathy between us . '' `` Well , '' said the Linnet , hopping now on one leg and now on the other , `` as soon as the winter was over , and the primroses began to open their pale yellow stars , the Miller said to his wife that he would go down and see little Hans . '' ` Why , what a good heart you have ' ! cried his Wife ; ` you are always thinking of others . And mind you take the big basket with you for the flowers . ' `` So the Miller tied the sails of the windmill together with a strong iron chain , and went down the hill with the basket on his arm . '' ` Good morning , little Hans , ' said the Miller . '' ` Good morning , ' said Hans , leaning on his spade , and smiling from ear to ear . '' ` And how have you been all the winter ? ' said the Miller . '' ` Well , really , ' cried Hans , ` it is very good of you to ask , very good indeed . I am afraid I had rather a hard time of it , but now the spring has come , and I am quite happy , and all my flowers are doing well . ' '' ` We often talked of you during the winter , Hans , ' said the Miller , ` and wondered how you were getting on . ' '' ` That was kind of you , ' said Hans ; ' I was half afraid you had forgotten me . ' '' ` Hans , I am surprised at you , ' said the Miller ; ` friendship never forgets . That is the wonderful thing about it , but I am afraid you do n't understand the poetry of life .
How lovely your XXXXX are looking , by-the-bye '' ! ''
Hans Linnet Miller Pooh critic pond primroses right spring story