English / B1
The Dog and the Water-Lily
One day at noon, I took a break from my writing and went for a walk beside the River Ouse. A gentle wind blew over the quiet water. My dog, Beau, came with me. He played among the tall plants by the river, then ran after a bird across the fields.
Water lilies were opening on the river. I looked carefully at the beautiful flowers and wished I could have one. I stretched out my walking stick and tried to draw it towards the riverbank. I nearly reached it, but it stayed beyond my hand.
Beau watched my efforts closely, as if trying to understand them. Then I called him with a sharp little sound and continued my walk along the river.
On the way back, Beau was far ahead of me. He noticed the flower again and jumped into the water. He picked the lily and swam eagerly towards me as I approached. Soon he dropped it at my feet.
I was delighted. I said that everyone should hear about his action. People were proud of being better than animals, but my dog could teach them something. Most of all, I wanted to remember his example myself: I should show the same ready love to God, who gives me everything.
English summary · includes the ending
The narrator takes a break from his writing and walks beside the River Ouse with his dog, Beau. The dog plays among the riverside plants and chases a bird across the fields.
The narrator admires the newly opened water lilies and wants to pick one. He tries to pull a flower towards the bank with his walking stick, but cannot reach it. Beau watches closely. The narrator then calls him and continues his walk.
On their return, Beau is far ahead. He sees the lily again, jumps into the river and picks it. He swims towards the narrator and drops the flower at his feet.
Delighted, the narrator promises to tell the world about Beau's action. He thinks the dog can teach proud humans a lesson. Most of all, he wants to follow Beau's example himself, showing the same ready love to God, who gives him everything.
Adapted for Lejrbål from the credited source.
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