The Rose Bush and the Apple Tree

    Near an apple tree grew a rose bush．The rose bush saw how much she was admired and said，“Who can compare with me，and who is as worthy¹ as I am？My flowers look so beautiful and smell so sweet．”True，the apple tree is bigger than I，but what pleasure does he give to mankind？”
    When the apple tree heard this he said，“Even though you are worthier² than I in terms of the beauty of your blossoms and the sweetness of your smell，you are less worthy in terms of goodness of heart and friendliness³．”
    “Tell me，”the rose bush said，“what is the evidence of your goodness？”
    And the apple tree answered：“You do not give your flowers to man unless you first wound him with your thorns．But I give my frul to all，even to those who throw stones at me．”
    Exercises：
    回答下列问题：
    ①Where did the rose bush grow？
    ②Why was the rose bush very proud of herself？
    ③What did the apple tree say？
    ④What is the evidence of the apple tree's goodness？

1 worthy   

adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的

参考例句：

• I did not esteem him to be worthy of trust.我认为他不值得信赖。
• There occurred nothing that was worthy to be mentioned.没有值得一提的事发生。

2 worthier   

应得某事物( worthy的比较级 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征

参考例句：

• I am sure that you might be much, much worthier of yourself.' 我可以肯定你能非常非常值得自己骄傲。” 来自英汉文学 - 双城记
• I should like the chance to fence with a worthier opponent. 我希望有机会跟实力相当的对手击剑。

3 friendliness   

n.友谊，亲切，亲密

参考例句：

• Behind the mask of friendliness,I know he really dislikes me.在友善的面具后面，我知道他其实并不喜欢我。
• His manner was a blend of friendliness and respect.他的态度友善且毕恭毕敬。