In a quiet village at the edge of a lush forest, there lived two men who were considered friends. Hans, a gentle and humble gardener, devoted his life to helping others, while Herr Simon, a wealthy, clever, yet selfish man, always sought to benefit from others’ labor without offering anything in return. Hans lived in a small, cozy house by a bubbling stream. Every day, he worked tirelessly in his garden, cared for his family, and shared what little he had with neighbors. Simon, in contrast, lived in a grand home, surrounded by luxury, using his wealth to secure comfort while relying on others to do his work.
Hans and Simon were often seen together, laughing and talking, but their friendship was entirely one-sided. Whenever Simon needed help, Hans would immediately agree, regardless of how much work it required. If Hans asked Simon for assistance, he was often met with refusal or some clever excuse. Yet Hans remained loyal, believing that Simon was a true friend, and that his own efforts would eventually be recognized and appreciated.
One spring morning, Hans had an idea to build a small pond in his garden for flowers and fish. Excited, he approached Simon and asked, “Could you help me buy the tools and materials?” Simon smiled and replied, “Of course, I’ll help you. But first, I need a saw to cut the oaks in my garden. If you do that for me, I promise I’ll come to help you.” Hans, trusting Simon, agreed without hesitation. He labored for hours, cutting, sawing, and hauling heavy timber to complete Simon’s task. When it was done, Simon praised him with a sly smile but postponed helping with the pond, saying, “I’ll come soon, just as soon as I finish another task.” Hans patiently waited, never complaining, always putting his friend’s needs before his own.
Simon’s selfishness was not limited to delays. He frequently offered advice disguised as friendship, but it was always meant to serve his own interests. Once, when Hans was exhausted from working through the night, Simon said, “If you truly care about our friendship, you should continue. A real friend must endure a little hardship for the sake of another.” Hans believed him and pushed himself harder, despite his fatigue. Meanwhile, Simon enjoyed the fruits of Hans’s labor without lifting a finger.
As the seasons passed, Hans’s health began to decline. He continued to work tirelessly for Simon, motivated by his devotion to friendship. One harsh winter, Hans fell gravely ill from overwork. Simon, upon seeing him weakened, did not offer care or comfort. Instead, he remarked only that it was unfortunate Hans could no longer assist him. Hans died quietly, leaving Simon untouched by true grief, highlighting the cruel imbalance in their friendship.
Oscar Wilde’s tale serves as a sharp moral lesson: true friendship is built on mutual care and respect, not selfish gain. Hans embodies unwavering kindness and devotion, while Simon represents selfishness, exploitation, and ingratitude. Through Hans’s suffering and ultimate demise, the story illustrates the dangers of one-sided friendships and the ethical responsibility we owe to those who trust and care for us.