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 pleased to look at it! what a splendid design! what glorious colors!” and at the same time they pointed to the empty frames; for they imagined that every one else could see this exquisite piece of workmanship.

“How is this?” said the Emperor to himself, “I can see nothing! this is indeed a terrible affair! Am I a simpleton, or am I unfit to be an Emperor? that would be the worst thing that could happen—Oh! the cloth is charming,” said he, aloud. “It has my complete approbation.” And he smiled most graciously, and looked closely at the empty looms; for on no account would he say that he could not see what two of the officers of his court had praised so much. All his retinue now strained their eyes, hoping to discover something on the looms, but they could see no more than the others; nevertheless, they all exclaimed, “Oh how beautiful!” and advised his majesty to have some new clothes made from this splendid material, for the approaching procession. “Magnificent! charming! excellent!” resounded on all sides; and every one was uncommonly gay. The Em-