〃'Well; really;' answered the Miller; 'as I have given you my
wheelbarrow; I don't think that it is much to ask you for a few flowers。 I
may be wrong; but I should have thought that friendship; true friendship;
selfishness of any kind。'
〃'My dear friend; my best friend;' cried little Hans; 'you are wele to
29
The Happy Prince and Other Tales
all the flowers in my garden。 I would much sooner have your good
opinion than my silver buttons; any day'; and he ran and plucked all his
pretty primroses; and filled the Miller's basket。
〃'Good…bye; little Hans;' said the Miller; as he went up the hill with the
plank on his shoulder; and the big basket in his hand。
〃'Good…bye;' said little Hans; and he began to dig aerrily;
he was so pleased about the wheelbarrow。
〃The next day he was nailing up some honeysuckle against the porch;
when he heard the Miller's voice calling to him from the road。 So he
jumped off the ladder; and ran down the garden; and looked over the wall。
〃There was the Miller with a large sack of flour on his back。
〃'Dear little Hans;' said the Miller; 'would you mind carrying this sack
of flour for me to market?'
〃'Oh; I am so sorry;' said Hans; 'but I am really very busy to…day。 I
have got all my creepers to nail up; and all my flowers to water; and all my
grass to roll。'
〃'Well; really;' said the Miller; '