Page:The fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen (c1899).djvu/35

 “It is best when heard in the greenwood,” said the nightingale; still she went willingly, on hearing the emperor wished it.

The preparations in the palace were magnificent. The walls and the floor, both of porcelain, were shining in the light of several thousand golden lamps; the rarest flowers, such as had a right to ring their bells, were placed in the passages. What with the running to and fro, and the draught, there was such a jingling of bells that one could scarcely hear one’s self speak.

In the middle of the state room, where the emperor sat, there was a golden perch for the nightingale. The whole court was present, and the little cook had leave to stand behind the door, as she had now obtained the title of a real court cook. All present were dressed in their best, and all eyes were turned towards the little grey bird, to whom the emperor now made a sign by nodding his head.

And the nightingale sang so exquisitely, that tears came into the emperor’s eyes. The tears rolled down his cheeks, and then the nightingale sang in still more touching strains, that went to one’s very heart. And the emperor was so enchanted, that he declared the nightingale should have his golden slipper to wear round her neck. But the nightingale declined the honour with thanks; she was sufficiently rewarded already. “I have seen tears in the emperor’s eyes, and these are like the richest treasure to me. An emperor’s tears possess a peculiar virtue! God knows that I am sufficiently rewarded.” And thereupon she sang again in her sweet, melodious voice.