`` Nothing of the kind , '' answered the Duck , `` every one must make a beginning , and parents can not be too patient . '' `` Ah ! I know nothing about the feelings of parents , '' said the Water - rat ; `` I am not a family man . In fact , I have never been married , and I never intend to be . Love is all very well in its way , but friendship is much higher . Indeed , I know of nothing 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 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 XXXXX , `` there was an honest little fellow named Hans . ''
Friend Linnet Water-rat children course end idea pray story subject