English / B2
The Dog and the Water-Lily
At noon, with a gentle breeze passing over the quiet River Ouse, I escaped the cares of writing and wandered along the bank. My dog Beau was with me, a handsome spaniel of excellent breeding. Sometimes he disappeared among the tall river plants; then he burst into sight again, chasing a swallow across the fields almost as fast as it could fly.
The river's water lilies had just opened. I studied their beauty closely and wished that one of them could be mine. Stretching out my walking stick as far as I could, I tried to guide a flower towards the bank. Although I almost caught it, it remained beyond the reach of my eager hand.
Beau observed my unsuccessful efforts intently. His thoughtful expression suggested that he was trying to work out what was happening. I interrupted his concentration with a clear, sharp call, then moved on, following the river's winding course.
When my walk was over and I returned, Beau was trotting far ahead. He spotted the floating flower again and plunged into the water. As I approached, I saw him swimming eagerly towards me with the lily he had picked. Soon he dropped this treasure at my feet.
Delighted, I declared that the world should hear of his action. My dog would humble people who were so proud of their superiority to animals. Above all, though, I would take the lesson to heart myself: when duty called, I should be as ready to show my love to God, who gives me everything, as Beau had been to show his love for me.
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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