Соловей

           ’Ishouldneverhavethoughtitwaslikethat.Howcommonitlooks!Seeingsomanygrandpeoplemusthavefrightenedallitscoloursaway.’’Littlenightingale!’calledthekitchen-maidquiteloud,’ourgraciousemperorwishesyoutosingtohim!’’Withthegreatestofpleasure!’saidthenightingale,warblingawayinthemostdelightfulfashion.’Itisjustlikecrystalbells,’saidthegentleman-in-waiting.’Lookatitslittlethroat,howactiveitis.Itisextraordinarythatwehaveneverhearditbefore!Iamsureitwillbeagreatsuccessatcourt!’’ShallIsingagaintotheemperor?’saidthenightingale,whothoughthewaspresent.’Mypreciouslittlenightingale,’saidthegentleman-in-waiting,’Ihavethehonourtocommandyourattendanceatacourtfestivalto-night,whereyouwillcharmhisgraciousmajestytheemperorwithyourfascinatingsinging.’’Itsoundsbestamongthetrees,’saidthenightingale,butitwentwiththemwillinglywhenitheardthattheemperorwishedit.’Isitpossible?’saidthegentleman-in-waiting.’Ishouldneverhavethoughtitwaslikethat.Howcommonitlooks.Seeingsomanygrandpeoplemusthavefrightenedallitscoloursaway.’Thepalacehadbeenbrightenedupfortheoccasion.Thewallsandthefloors,whichwereallofchina,shonebythelightofmanythousandgoldenlamps.Themostbeautifulflowers,allofthetinklingkind,werearrangedinthecorridors;therewashurryingtoandfro,andagreatdraught,butthiswasjustwhatmadethebellsring;one’searswerefullofthetinkling.