running to and fro and the draught, these bells tinkled so loudly that no one
could speak to be heard. In the centre of the great hall, a golden perch had
been fixed for the nightingale to sit on. The whole court was present, and
the little kitchen-maid had received permission to stand by the door. She
was not installed as a real court cook. All were in full dress, and every eye
was turned to the little gray bird when the emperor nodded to her to begin.
The nightingale sang so sweetly that the tears came into the emperor’s eyes,
and then rolled down his cheeks, as her song became still more touching
and went to every one’s heart. The emperor was so delighted that he
declared the nightingale should have his gold slipper to wear round her
neck, but she declined the honor with thanks: she had been sufficiently
rewarded already. “I have seen tears in an emperor’s eyes,” she said, “that is
my richest reward. An emperor’s tears have wonderful power, and are quite
sufficient honor for me;” and then she sang again more enchantingly than
ever.
“That singing is a lovely gift;” said the ladies of the court to each other;
and then they took water in their mouths to make them utter the gurgling
sounds of the nightingale when they spoke to any one, so thay they might
fancy themselves nightingales. And the footmen and chambermaids also
expressed their satisfaction, which is saying a great deal, for they are very
difficult to please. In fact the nightingale’s visit was most successful. She
was now to remain at court, to have her own cage, with liberty to go out
twice a day, and once during the night. Twelve servants were appointed to
attend her on these occasions, who each held her by a silken string fastened
to her leg. There was certainly not much pleasure in this kind of flying.
The whole city spoke of the wonderful bird, and when two people met,
one said “nightin,” and the other said “gale,” and they understood what was
meant, for nothing else was talked of. Eleven peddlers’ children were
named after her, but not of them could sing a note.
One day the emperor received a large packet on which was written “The
Nightingale.” “Here is no doubt a new book about our celebrated bird,” said
the emperor. But instead of a book, it was a work of art contained in a
