--- title: The Portuguese Duck — Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen · full text with trees description: The Portuguese Duck, «Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen» by H. C. Andersen: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: A duck once arrived from Portugal, but there were some who said she came from Spain, which is almost the same thing. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/) / The Portuguese Duck # The Portuguese Duck The Portuguese Duck of «Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen» by H. C. Andersen: the whole text, 117 sentences and 2254 words. Every sentence has its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/page/2/) - [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/1/) — A duck once arrived from Portugal, but there were some who said she came from Spain, which is almost the same thing. - [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/2/) — At all events, she was called the "Portuguese," and she laid eggs, was killed, and cooked, and there was an end of her. - [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/3/) — But the ducklings which crept forth from the eggs were also called "Portuguese," and about that there may be some question. - [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/4/) — But of all the family one only remained in the duckyard, which may be called a farmyard, as the chickens were admitted, and the cock strutted about in a very hostile manner. " - [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/5/) — He annoys me with his loud crowing," said the Portuguese duck; "but, still, he's a handsome bird, there's no denying that, although he's not a drake. - [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/6/) — He ought to moderate his voice, like those little birds who are singing in the lime-trees over there in our neighbor's garden, but that is an art only acquired in polite society. - [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/7/) — How sweetly they sing there; it is quite a pleasure to listen to them! - [8](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/8/) — I call it Portuguese singing. - [9](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/9/) — If I had only such a little singing-bird, I'd be kind and good as a mother to him, for it's in my nature, in my Portuguese blood." - [10](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/10/) — While she was speaking, one of the little singing-birds came tumbling head over heels from the roof into the yard. - [11](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/11/) — The cat was after him, but he had escaped from her with a broken wing, and so came tumbling into the yard. " - [12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/12/) — That's just like the cat, she's a villain," said the Portuguese duck. " - [13](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/13/) — I remember her ways when I had children of my own. - [14](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/14/) — How can such a creature be allowed to live, and wander about upon the roofs. - [15](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/15/) — I don't think they allow such things in Portugal." - [16](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/16/) — She pitied the little singing-bird, and so did all the other ducks who were not Portuguese. - [17](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/17/) — "Poor little creature!" they said, one after another, as they came up. " - [18](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/18/) — We can't sing, certainly; but we have a sounding-board, or something of the kind, within us; we can feel that, though we don't talk about it." - [19](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/19/) — "But I can talk," said the Portuguese duck; "and I'll do something for the little fellow; it's my duty;" and she stepped into the water-trough, and beat her wings upon the water so strongly that the bird was nearly drowned by a shower-bath; but the duck meant it kindly. " - [20](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/20/) — That is a good deed," she said; "I hope the others will take example by it." - [21](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/21/) — "Tweet, tweet!" said the little bird, for one of his wings being broken, he found it difficult to shake himself; but he quite understood that the bath was meant kindly, and he said, "You are very kind-hearted, madam;" but he did not wish for a second bath. - [22](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/22/) — "I have never thought about my heart," replied the Portuguese duck, "but I know that I love all my fellow-creatures, except the cat, and nobody can expect me to love her, for she ate up two of my ducklings. - [23](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/23/) — But pray make yourself at home; it is easy to make one's self comfortable. - [24](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/24/) — I am myself from a foreign country, as you may see by my feathery dress. - [25](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/25/) — My drake is a native of these parts; he's not of my race; but I am not proud on that account. - [26](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/26/) — If any one here can understand you, I may say positively I am that person." - [27](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/27/) — "She's quite full of 'Portulak,'" said a little common duck, who was witty. - [28](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/28/) — All the common ducks considered the word "Portulak" a good joke, for it sounded like Portugal. - [29](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/29/) — They nudged each other, and said, "Quack! that was witty!" - [30](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/30/) — Then the other ducks began to notice the little bird. " - [31](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/31/) — The Portuguese had certainly a great flow of language," they said to the little bird. " - [32](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/32/) — For our part we don't care to fill our beaks with such long words, but we sympathize with you quite as much. - [33](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/33/) — If we don't do anything else, we can walk about with you everywhere, and we think that is the best thing we can do." - [34](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/34/) — "You have a lovely voice," said one of the eldest ducks; "it must be great satisfaction to you to be able to give so much pleasure as you do. - [35](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/35/) — I am certainly no judge of your singing so I keep my beak shut, which is better than talking nonsense, as others do." - [36](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/36/) — "Don't plague him so," interposed the Portuguese duck; "he requires rest and nursing. - [37](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/37/) — My little singing-bird do you wish me to prepare another bath for you?" - [38](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/38/) — "Oh, no! no! pray let me dry," implored the little bird. - [39](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/39/) — "The water-cure is the only remedy for me, when I am not well," said the Portuguese. " - [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/40/) — Amusement, too, is very beneficial. - [41](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/41/) — The fowls from the neighborhood will soon be here to pay you a visit. - [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/42/) — There are two Cochin Chinese amongst them; they wear feathers on their legs, and are well educated. - [43](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/43/) — They have been brought from a great distance, and consequently I treat them with greater respect than I do the others." - [44](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/44/) — Then the fowls arrived, and the cock was polite enough to-day to keep from being rude. " - [45](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/45/) — You are a real songster," he said, "you do as much with your little voice as it is possible to do; but there requires more noise and shrillness in any one who wishes it to be known who he is." - [46](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/46/) — The two Chinese were quite enchanted with the appearance of the singing-bird. - [47](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/47/) — His feathers had been much ruffled by his bath, so that he seemed to them quite like a tiny Chinese fowl. " - [48](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/48/) — He's charming," they said to each other, and began a conversation with him in whispers, using the most aristocratic Chinese dialect: "We are of the same race as yourself," they said. " - [49](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/49/) — The ducks, even the Portuguese, are all aquatic birds, as you must have noticed. - [50](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/50/) — You do not know us yet,--very few know us, or give themselves the trouble to make our acquaintance, not even any of the fowls, though we are born to occupy a higher grade in society than most of them. - [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/51/) — But that does not disturb us, we quietly go on in our own way among the rest, whose ideas are certainly not ours; for we look at the bright side of things, and only speak what is good, although that is sometimes very difficult to find where none exists. - [52](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/52/) — Except ourselves and the cock there is not one in the yard who can be called talented or polite. - [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/53/) — It cannot even be said of the ducks, and we warn you, little bird, not to trust that one yonder, with the short tail feathers, for she is cunning; that curiously marked one, with the crooked stripes on her wings, is a mischief-maker, and never lets any one have the last word, though she is always in the wrong. - [54](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/54/) — That fat duck yonder speaks evil of every one, and that is against our principles. - [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/55/) — If we have nothing good to tell, we close our beaks. - [56](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/56/) — The Portuguese is the only one who has had any education, and with whom we can associate, but she is passionate, and talks too much about 'Portugal.'" - [57](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/57/) — "I wonder what those two Chinese are whispering about," whispered one duck to another; "they are always doing it, and it annoys me. - [58](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/58/) — We never speak to them." - [59](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/59/) — Now the drake came up, and he thought the little singing-bird was a sparrow. " - [60](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/60/) — Well, I don't understand the difference," he said; "it appears to me all the same. - [61](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/61/) — He's only a plaything, and if people will have playthings, why let them, I say." - [62](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/62/) — "Don't take any notice of what he says," whispered the Portuguese; "he's very well in matters of business, and with him business is placed before everything. - [63](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/63/) — But now I shall lie down and have a little rest. - [64](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/64/) — It is a duty we owe to ourselves that we may be nice and fat when we come to be embalmed with sage and onions and apples." - [65](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/65/) — So she laid herself down in the sun and winked with one eye; she had a very comfortable place, and felt so comfortable that she fell asleep. - [66](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/66/) — The little singing-bird busied himself for some time with his broken wing, and at last he lay down, too, quite close to his protectress. - [67](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/67/) — The sun shone warm and bright, and he found out that it was a very good place. - [68](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/68/) — But the fowls of the neighborhood were all awake, and, to tell the truth, they had paid a visit to the duckyard, simply and solely to find food for themselves. - [69](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/69/) — The Chinese were the first to leave, and the other fowls soon followed them. - [70](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/70/) — The witty little duck said of the Portuguese, that the old lady was getting quite a "doting ducky," All the other ducks laughed at this. " - [71](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/71/) — Doting ducky," they whispered. " - [72](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/72/) — Oh, that's too 'witty!'" - [73](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/73/) — And then they repeated the former joke about "Portulak," and declared it was most amusing. - [74](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/74/) — Then they all lay down to have a nap. - [75](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/75/) — They had been lying asleep for some time, when suddenly something was thrown into the yard for them to eat. - [76](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/76/) — It came down with such a bang, that the whole company started up and clapped their wings. - [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/77/) — The Portuguese awoke too, and rushed over to the other side: in so doing she trod upon the little singing-bird. - [78](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/78/) — "Tweet," he cried; "you trod very hard upon me, madam." - [79](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/79/) — "Well, then, why do you lie in my way?" she retorted, "you must not be so touchy. - [80](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/80/) — I have nerves of my own, but I do not cry 'tweet.'" - [81](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/81/) — "Don't be angry," said the little bird; "the 'tweet' slipped out of my beak unawares." - [82](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/82/) — The Portuguese did not listen to him, but began eating as fast as she could, and made a good meal. - [83](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/83/) — When she had finished, she lay down again, and the little bird, who wished to be amiable, began to sing,-- - [84](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/84/) — "Chirp and twitter, The dew-drops glitter, In the hours of sunny spring, I'll sing my best, Till I go to rest, With my head behind my wing." - [85](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/85/) — "Now I want rest after my dinner," said the Portuguese; "you must conform to the rules of the house while you are here. - [86](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/86/) — I want to sleep now." - [87](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/87/) — The little bird was quite taken aback, for he meant it kindly. - [88](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/88/) — When madam awoke afterwards, there he stood before her with a little corn he had found, and laid it at her feet; but as she had not slept well, she was naturally in a bad temper. " - [89](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/89/) — Give that to a chicken," she said, "and don't be always standing in my way." - [90](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/90/) — "Why are you angry with me?" replied the little singing-bird, "what have I done?" - [91](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/91/) — "Done!" repeated the Portuguese duck, "your mode of expressing yourself is not very polite. - [92](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/92/) — I must call your attention to that fact." - [93](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/93/) — "It was sunshine here yesterday," said the little bird, "but to-day it is cloudy and the air is close." - [94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/94/) — "You know very little about the weather, I fancy," she retorted, "the day is not over yet. - [95](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/95/) — Don't stand there, looking so stupid." - [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/96/) — "But you are looking at me just as the wicked eyes looked when I fell into the yard yesterday." - [97](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/97/) — "Impertinent creature!" exclaimed the Portuguese duck: "would you compare me with the cat--that beast of prey? - [98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/98/) — There's not a drop of malicious blood in me. - [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/99/) — I've taken your part, and now I'll teach you better manners." - [100](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/100/) — So saying, she made a bite at the little singing-bird's head, and he fell dead on the ground. " **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/145/page/2/) - ← previous: [The Phoenix Bird](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/144/) - next →: [The Porter's Son, part 1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/146/) - ↑ back to [Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/)