小学英语阅读：The Candles

The Candles

Once， there were two candles. One candle was made from beeswax and the other was made from animals‘ fat. “I am much brighter than other candles， and I can last longer than all of us can. That’s why I should stand on a silver candle holder.” The beeswax candle was proud of herself and said. The candle made from animals‘ fat envied the beeswax candle. ’The beeswax candle must live a great and splendid life.‘

One day， there was a party in this house. “I will be great at the party.” The Beeswax candle said arrogantly as if she was the hostess of the party.

Then， a master came in. “I have to light up a candle.” After saying this， he took the beeswax candle. “The party must be wonderful！” The animal fat candle was left behind and became lonelier.

At that time， one little boy appeared with his torn basket at the kitchen door. In the basket， there were five or six potatoes and one apple. A mistress of the house gave them to this poor boy. “I will give you this candle， too.” The mistress slipped the animal fat candle into the boy’s hand. The little boy was very happy and went back to his house.

‘Where am I going？’ The candle finally arrived at a poor and small hut. Three children and a mother were living in that small room with a low-ceiling. The candle stood on an iron candlestick.

“This is too much！” The candle grumbled to himself regretting for his miserable situation. ‘The beeswax candle， went to the party， she must be standing on a great silver candle holder at this time.’ The Candle made from animals‘ fat envied the beeswax candle very much.

The mother prepared dinner by boiling potatoes and peeling the apple. The three children and the mother had dinner happily. The animal fat candle shone their table brightly.

“This candle is very bright！” The boy said. “God bless this kind lady！” The mother prayed. It was a poor but peaceful and happy family. The animal fat candle felt happy as he enjoyed shining brightly for this family.

单词注释：

beeswax n. 蜂蜡

splendid adj. 辉煌的；灿烂的；极好的；杰出的

例句：She chose the most splendid gown she had， and took out her jewels.

她从衣饰中选出最华丽的一件长衫，取出她的珠宝。

arrogantly adv. 傲慢地；自大地

例句：It made his great nose protrude more arrogantly .

这就使得他的大鼻子更加傲慢地翘起来。

mistress n. 情妇；女主人；主妇；女教师；女能人

candlestick n. 烛台

例句：Blobs of wax covered the candlestick.

烛台上全是一团团的蜡。

grumble vi. 抱怨；嘟囔

例句：Generals grumble about needing thousands more soldiers.

将军们抱怨需要更多的士兵。