Oh, what a delicious feast! what fine music! Brother Tiger was dazzled.
"My Queen!" he exclaimed, "I am glad you thought of me. A ball like this at your court is a rare occurrence."
Long rows of birds stood facing each other, and birds of all degrees danced together.
After the quadrille the orchestra struck up a waltz, and the Queen courteously said to her guest:
"This time you shall be my partner!"
Filled with pride the Tiger took his place by the side of the beautiful Queen of the Birds. Then the birds, all with their heads under their wings began to dance. Brother Tiger wanted to join in the first steps of the dance, but all of a sudden the Queen of the Birds called out to him:
"Brother Tiger! really you are not thinking! The etiquette of my court is that the invited guest, in order to take part in the dance, should appear without a head. Look around you. All here would think themselves guilty of the most unpardonable rudeness if they dared to raise their eyes in the presence of their sovereign. The simplest rules of politeness require that you should follow their example. Do as they are doing, if you desire to dance with the Queen of the Birds."
"Your Majesty," exclaimed Brother Tiger, blushing violently, "I had no intention of wounding you, and I humbly beg you to pardon my ignorance. I am merely a poor country person who is used to spending his days and nights in quiet places, and I am unused to the ways and customs of the court. Promise me another dance, I beg you, and I will return immediately."
"I never had any ill-will against you, Brother Tiger," said the Queen of the Birds. "One cannot know everything. Go! I await you!"