t sounds best in the green wood,' said the Nightingale; but still,
she came gladly when she heard that the Emperor wished it. At the
Palace everything was splendidly prepared. The porcelain walls and
floors glittered in the light of many thousand gold lamps; the most
gorgeous flowers which tinkled out well were placed in the corridors.
There was such a hurrying and draught that all the bells jingled so
much that one could not hear oneself speak. In the centre of the great
hall where the Emperor sat was a golden perch, on which the
Nightingale sat. The whole Court was there, and the little kitchenmaid
was allowed to stand behind the door, now that she was a Court-cook.
Everyone was dressed in his best, and everyone was looking towards the
little grey bird to whom the Emperor nodded.

[Illustration: The Present from the Emperor of Japan]

The Nightingale sang so gloriously that the tears came into the
Emperor's eyes and ran down his cheeks. Then the Nightingale sang even
more beautifully; it went straight to all hearts. The Emperor was so
delighted that he said she should wear his gold slipper round her
neck. But the Nightingale thanked him, and said she had had enough
reward already. 'I have seen tears in the Emperor's eyes--that is a
great reward. An Emperor's tears have such power!' Then she sang again
with her gloriously sweet voice.

'That is the most charming coquetry I have ever seen!' said all the
ladies round. And they all took to holding water in their mouths that
they might gurgle whenever anyone spoke to them. Then they thought
themselves nightingales. Yes, the lackeys and chambermaids announced
that they were pleased; which means a great deal, for they are the
most difficult people of all to satisfy. In short, the Nightingale was
a real success.

She had to stay at Court now; she had her own cage, and permission to
walk out twice in the day and once at night.

She was given twelve servants, who each held a silken string which was
fastened round her leg. There was little pleasure in flying about like
this.

The whole town was talking about the wonderful bird, and when two
people met each other one would say 'Nightin,' and the other 'Gale,'
and then they would both sigh and understand one another. Yes, and
eleven grocer's children were called after her, but not one of them
could sing a note.

One day the Emperor received a large parcel on which was written 'The
Nightingale.'

'Here is another new boo