“Does it please your Majesty now to graciously undress,” said the
swindlers, “that we may assist your Majesty in putting on the new suit
before the large looking-glass?”
The emperor undressed, and the swindlers pretended to put the new suit
upon him, one piece after another; and the emperor looked at himself in the
glass from every side.
“How well they look! How well they fit!” said all. “What a beautiful
pattern! What fine colours! That is a magnificent suit of clothes!”
The master of the ceremonies announced that the bearers of the canopy,
which was to be carried in the procession, were ready.
“I am ready,” said the emperor. “Does not my suit fit me marvellously?”
Then he turned once more to the looking-glass, that people should think he
admired his garments.
The chamberlains, who were to carry the train, stretched their hands to
the ground as if they lifted up a train, and pretended to hold something in
their hands; they did not like people to know that they could not see
anything.
The emperor marched in the procession under the beautiful canopy, and
all who saw him in the street and out of the windows exclaimed: “Indeed,
the emperor’s new suit is incomparable! What a long train he has! How
