Dingle, dingle!"
And then all the smaller birds that had wandered off into the woods flew to her side, and begged to know what her wishes were. Their Queen then related to them the murder of Daddy Sheep by the hypocritical and cruel Brother Tiger. Her story was full of emotion and good feeling, and she concluded by saying:
"This assassin, my faithful friends, must die in his turn. Such a monster should not be permitted to live on earth."
All the birds applauded with their wings at these words of the Queen, and they could not help congratulating their sovereign.
"Go, my friends and subjects," said the Queen, "into the far countries, and say to the birds who have not heard my call, that I am about to give a grand ball, and that I will await them to-morrow. Meanwhile I will go myself and invite Brother Tiger, who cannot refuse to assist at the feast."
"But how will you kill this odious monster?" inquired the great eagle.
"Have confidence, my friend. Am I not the Queen? To-morrow you will be satisfied. While you wait, aid in preparing everything for the feast."
Singing, whistling, and screaming, all the birds began to work. The brambles were removed, the stones thrown away, and the grass alone, green and tender, was left in the space they had chosen for the ball. The next day the Queen of the Birds was arrayed in the most beautiful dress imaginable. Escorted by her pages, she went to the house of Brother Tiger. Flattered by the visit of the Queen of the Birds, he vowed that he would go to the grand ball in the forest.
"I promise you a dance," said the Queen, smiling.
"Beautiful Queen," exclaimed Brother Tiger, "all the honor will be mine."