THE SELFISH GIANT
On the green heart of a smiling valley, which echoed with the calls of colourful birds and orioles, there was once a large mansion called, "Fairy Dell" where lived a giant who was very selfish and cruel. He never allowed anyone to enter his mansion or garden
He had planted a wide variety of fruit trees. Undoubtedly there were other gardens too, in that green and fertile valley, and though those gardens could boast of many a lovely blossom, nowhere could one come across the queen of all flowers-The Rose In such beauty and variety. Some of the special quality of roses were christened 'Paul Neron', 'Black Prince', and 'Bride', etc.
Once the giant had to go out for seven days. When he turned, he saw a number of small children playing and running around in his garden. He became very angry and began chasing them. All the children scampered away, except one, who, out of nervousness, scrambled up a fruit tree. The selfish giant caught hold of him and thrashed him badly. The child went away weeping bitterly
On the same day he erected a high wall around his garden Now there was a big gate fixed to the wall that fenced his garden and entry of anyone was strictly prohibited.
Gradually, the spring came and the green valley became greener. In the gardens of others, the branches of fruit trees creaked with the weight of fruits, the flower plants were filled with innumerable number of flowers; but the selfish giant's garden yielded neither fruit nor flowers. It was still winter in his garden. He was surprised; but he failed to realise that trees and plants, apart from good soil, manure, and water, need love and affection also.it was impossible for him to understand that it was because of the innocent love of children that the trees and plants were yielding fruit and flowers.
The selfish giant would water the plants everyday, add more manure, but to no avail. He was surprised to see the trees and plants drying very fast.
"Coming and going of seasons is automatic. It has its own cycle; then why is it that my garden is deprived of spring season”, thought the giant to himself. But he had no answer. One morning, when he woke up, he heard some children is giggling
in his garden. He rushed out of his room, and what he saw was unbelievable. His fruit trees were laden with fruits, and flower & filled with flowers of different colours. He also saw some all children still creeping in through a small hole in the wall.
“Oh! That's what makes the difference. These trees and plants hissed the company of these children, and refused to yield anything," thought the giant to himself
He came slowly to the garden wearing a broad smile on his face. But as soon as the children saw him, they began running away to save themselves from the wrath of the selfish giant. But the giant stopped them.
"No, no, dear children! Please don't run away. This garden is yours. You can play in this garden as long as you wish."
The children were simply astonished to hear what he said. He continued, "Dear children! I accept my mistake. I have been too cruel to you all." Then with tears in his eyes, he said, “Look, children! I am apologizing before you with folded hands. Please forgive me."
This made a positive effect on the children. They drew near him. The giant who was no more selfish, hugged and kissed them each. What more did the children want? They began playing with them, with his beard and long ears. The giant was enjoying it thoroughly. He gave them lots of fruit and nuts to eat.
Now the selfish giant had become their 'Giant Uncle'. Giant uncle said, “Children! From now onwards, this beautiful garden belongs not to me, but it belongs to every child in this world. You are free to come and play here. Bring as many friends as you like; eat as much fruit as you can....and if you don't come to play here, I shall beat you."
Hearing this the children began giggling and laughing.
Giant uncle took a pickaxe and began razing the wall that fenced his garden.
Giant uncle is no more, but that garden still exists where season is no bar. One can go and see that the garden is full of fruit and flowers in every season.
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