Anybody can say charming things and try to please and to flatter, but a true friend
will always say unpleasant things, and does not mind giving pain. Indeed, if he is a
really true friend he prefers it, for he knows that then he is doing good.’
’I am very sorry,’ said little Hans, rubbing his eyes and pulling off his night-cap,
‘but I was so tired that I thought I would lie in bed for a little time, and listen to the
birds singing. Do you know that I always work better after hearing the birds sing?’
’Well, I am glad of that,’ said the Miller, clapping little Hans on the back, ‘for I want
you to come up to the mill as soon as you are dressed, and mend my barn-roof for
me.’
