The Ugly Duckling

ul new white swan!” And the other children shouted happily, “Yes, he is the most beautiful one of all!” Of course the swan who had been considered an ugly duckling was very happy. But he never became vain or conceited. He always remembered how it felt to be despised and teased, and he was very sorry for all the creatures who are so treated merely because they are different from the people around them. But now that he was appreciated at last, he rustled his wings, lifted his slender neck, and sighed happily, “To think that this joy should come to one who has always been considered an ugly duckling! It's almost too good to be true.”