`` 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 do n'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 distinguished ? '' asked the Water-rat . `` No , '' answered the Linnet , `` I do n't think he was distinguished at all , except for his kind heart , and his funny round good-humoured face . He lived in a tiny cottage all by himself , and every day he worked in his garden . In all the country-side there was no garden so lovely as his . Sweet-william grew there , and Gilly-flowers , and Shepherds ' - purses , and Fair-maids of France . There were damask Roses , and yellow Roses , lilac Crocuses , and gold , purple Violets and white . Columbine and Ladysmock , Marjoram and Wild Basil , the Cowslip and the Flower-de-luce , the Daffodil and the Clove-Pink bloomed or blossomed in their proper order as the months went by , one flower taking another flower 's place , so that there were always beautiful things to look at , and pleasant odours to smell . `` Little Hans had a great many friends , but the most devoted friend of all was big Hugh the Miller . Indeed , so devoted was the rich Miller to little Hans , that be would never go by his garden without leaning over the wall and plucking a large nosegay , or a handful of sweet herbs , or filling his pockets with plums and cherries if it was the fruit season . ''
` Real friends should have everything in common , ' the XXXXX used to say , and little Hans nodded and smiled , and felt very proud of having a friend with such noble ideas .
Basil Crocuses Daffodil Gilly-flowers Marjoram Miller Water-rat months odours plums