‘Little nightingale!’ called out the kitchen-maid, ‘our gracious Emperor wishes you to sing something to him.’
‘With the greatest pleasure,’ said the nightingale, and she sang in such a manner that it was delightful to hear her.
‘It sounds like glass bells,’ said the Cavalier. ‘And look at her little throat, how it moves! It is singular that we should never have heard her before; she will have great success at court.’
‘Shall I sing again to the Emperor?’ asked the nightingale, for she thought the Emperor was among them.
‘Most excellent nightingale!’ said the Cavalier, ‘I have the honour to invite you to a court festival, which is to take place this evening, when His Imperial Majesty will be enchanted with your delightful song.’
AMONG THE BRANCHES DWELT A NIGHTINGALE
‘My song would sound far better among the green trees,’ said the nightingale; however, she followed willingly when she heard that the Emperor wished it.