The birds are the sweetest of all sweet singers, and the chorus was grand. It was a billow of song that rose and fell like the waves of a mighty ocean. At times no one voice could be heard distinctly; again, the flute-like notes of the Wood Thrush, the Purple Finch’s rich, melodious warble, or the beautiful trill of the Vireo could be heard quite plainly above the chorus.
The birds were jubilant. Never before had they sung with so much strength and sweetness. And when at last the music died away in gentle cadences, Emily and her friends clapped their hands in glee, and said they had never in all their lives heard anything so beautiful.
Then Tono, at a signal from Captain Featherweight, bowed low before Emily and said: “The elves of Mount Fern take this opportunity to express their thanks for their comfortable home in Templeton Garden, and beg that their choir and orchestra may be allowed to take part in the celebration of your birthday.”
Emily was very much delighted and said that any one was fortunate who had the elves for friends.
So the elfin choir and orchestra flew up into the large white oak tree that stood near the mulberry tree. And there they played and sang the music which Rhymo and Tono had composed for the occasion:
The Wish of the Elves.
“’Tis a festive occasion
Which brings us today,
To sing thy high praises