“No, that is only a cow lowing,” said the little girl; “we are a long way
from the place yet.”
Then some frogs began to croak in the marsh.
“Beautiful,” said the young courtier again. “Now I hear it, tinkling like
little church bells.”
“No, those are frogs,” said the little maiden; “but I think we shall soon
hear her now:” and presently the nightingale began to sing.
“Hark, hark! there she is,” said the girl, “and there she sits,” she added,
pointing to a little gray bird who was perched on a bough.
“Is it possible?” said the lord-in-waiting, “I never imagined it would be a
little, plain, simple thing like that. She has certainly changed color at seeing
so many grand people around her.”
“Little nightingale,” cried the girl, raising her voice, “our most gracious
emperor wishes you to sing before him.”
“With the greatest pleasure,” said the nightingale, and began to sing most
delightfully.
“It sounds like tiny glass bells,” said the lord-in-waiting, “and see how
her little throat works. It is surprising that we have never heard this before;
she will be a great success at court.”
“Shall I sing once more before the emperor?” asked the nightingale, who
thought he was present.
“My excellent little nightingale,” said the courtier, “I have the great
pleasure of inviting you to a court festival this evening, where you will gain
imperial favor by your charming song.”
“My song sounds best in the green wood,” said the bird; but still she
came willingly when she heard the emperor’s wish.
The palace was elegantly decorated for the occasion. The walls and floors
of porcelain glittered in the light of a thousand lamps. Beautiful flowers,
round which little bells were tied, stood in the corridors: what with the
