Once, a king loved music so much that he searched the world for the best instrument. One day, a magic man1the king a harp(竖琴). The king took it to the palace, but2 he played it, the harp sounded terrible. Many3people tried it. They agreed that the harp was 4　and the king had been fooled. The harp was thrown out as rubbish.

A poor little girl 5　found the harp, and even though she didn't know how6 it, she decided to have a try. She played and played, the whole day through, for months and years. The music she produced was never perfect, 7　 each time it sounded a little better.

  Then one day, suddenly, the harp started to play the most beautiful music. It was in fact 8magic harp, and could only be played well by someone who would put in the necessary effort.

   The king heard the music from his window, and called the girl to the palace. When the king saw that she was playing his old harp, he was filled 9　 joy. At that moment he made the girl his own private 10　 , giving her and her family many riches.

    Confucius lived in the Kingdom of Lu, part of today's Shandong Province. September 28^th is his birthday. 1 he was born over 2,000 years ago, people still remember him on this day.

    His childhood was sad. His father 2 when he was only 3 and he had to work to help his mother. But young Confucius didn't 3 studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music, history, poetry and sports.

    Later, he became a teacher and started the 4 private school in Chinese history. At that time, only children from rich families could go to school, but Confucius believed 5 should go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his lifetime.

    Today, people still follow his 6. He told us that each person has something worthy to learn and teach. “When I am with three people, one of them must be 7 than me in some areas. I choose their good qualities（品质）and follow them. I take their bad qualities and change them in myself.”

    He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. “All study but no thinking makes people puzzled（迷惑）. All thinking but no study makes people 8.”

    Confucius is not only a great teacher but also a famous 9 with wise thoughts about the world and society. His most important teachings are about kindness and good manners. “A kind person should care for others. Be strict 10 yourself, but be kind to others.” He said.

    My friend Alan did not have a rich family. He did not have much money. Sometimes Alan 1 had to accept money and gifts from his family and friends. But do not get me2 He was not the kind of person who never 3 the money he should. He was always very 4 with the money he spent.

    However, a few years ago, he won the lottery and got a huge5 of money. He was very excited. It changed his life. The 6thing he did was to buy a very expensive new car. Then he7 spending money on unnecessary things or the things that he normally would not buy. It seemed that he had money to8He had more money than he needed and it was burning a hole in his pocket. He wasted his money 9.

    When we got together for a10 at a restaurant, he would always pay the bill. He11me the money made him feel very happy.

    But, Alan soon 12 out all of his money. He was as poor as a church mouse again. His last dollar was spent and he had no money13.

    I admit I do feel 14 for my friend. He had enough money to live like a king.15 he is back to living a hard life. He was wise about small things, but not about important things.