Page 89 - Viva Real English 2 : Ebook
P. 89
The kind wood-fairy heard its words. She touched the boughs of the fir tree
once more with her magic wand. The next morning the fir tree was covered
with sparkling glass leaves. The animals and birds of the forest looked at it
with wonder. Alas! Its happiness did not last this time either.
A stormy wind started blowing through the forest. It blew so hard that all the
trees started shaking violently. Crash! All the sparkling glass leaves of the fir
tree broke into small pieces. It was ugly and leafless again.
It wept loudly, ‘The cruel wind has broken all my leaves. What shall I do?
I wish I had broad and smooth green leaves. Then I’ll be contented and happy.’
The wood-fairy heard its sobs again and granted its wish. The next morning
the fir tree had broad and smooth green leaves. It was full of joy, ‘What
beautiful leaves I have! Robbers won’t steal them. The cruel strong wind can’t
break them. Now I’ll be happy forever.’
Suddenly, there was a noise of bleating in the
forest. Three billy-goats were wandering in the
forest looking for something to eat. They saw
the broad, soft green leaves of the fir tree. They
ran to it and started eating its tasty leaves.
‘Ouch! Ouch! Billy-goats, please don’t eat my leaves. I want everyone to admire
them,’ cried the fir tree.
The billy-goats replied, ‘We are very hungry. We will eat them all up.’ They ate
up all the leaves of the fir tree. Then they walked away.
The fir tree wept again. It said to the wood-fairy, ‘I don’t want any green
leaves. I will never be unhappy or discontented. I don’t want gold leaves,
glass leaves or broad soft leaves. Please give me back my green needles.
I’ll always be happy and contented with my green needles.’
The wood-fairy gave it back its sharp stiff needles.
The next morning the little fir tree stood happily in its evergreen dress.
violently : with great force granted its wish : gave it what it
contented : feeling happy and wanted
satisfied bleating : a sound that sheep and
goats make
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