An old Water-rat observes a mother Duck teaching her ducklings to stand on their heads, leading to a discussion about friendship. The Water-rat claims that true friendship is the highest virtue, prompting a Green Linnet to inquire about the responsibilities of a devoted friend. The Water-rat's inability to articulate reciprocity leads the Linnet to share a story. The tale centers on a kind-hearted man named Hans, who lives alone and tends to a beautiful garden. His closest friend is Hugh the Miller, who frequently takes from Hans's garden but never gives anything in return. Despite the Miller's selfishness, Hans admires him and believes in the nobility of their friendship. As winter arrives, Hans struggles with hunger and loneliness, while the Miller rationalizes his absence, claiming that friends should not burden each other during tough times. When spring comes, the Miller visits Hans, who is excited to sell flowers at the market to buy back his sold possessions. The Miller offers Hans a broken wheelbarrow, expecting Hans to give him flowers in return, which Hans willingly does, despite needing them for himself. The Miller continues to impose on Hans, asking him to perform various tasks, which Hans dutifully accepts, believing it is the essence of friendship. Hans neglects his garden, but he remains optimistic about the wheelbarrow. One stormy night, the Miller sends Hans to fetch a doctor for his injured son, but Hans gets lost and ultimately drowns in a moor. At Hans's funeral, the Miller mourns, primarily concerned about the wheelbarrow he had intended to give Hans. The story concludes with the Linnet and the Water-rat discussing the moral implications of the tale, which the Water-rat dismisses, revealing his lack of understanding of true friendship. The Linnet suggests that the story carries a moral lesson, but the Water-rat's indifference highlights the theme of selfishness versus genuine friendship.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1887 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Satire