The Chief Musician was enchanted. “Superb!” he cried. “Magnificent! Now, O King, please to sing this note!” and he struck another note:
The King sang, in a loud, deep voice,
The Chief Musician looked grave. “O King,” he said, “you did not quite understand me. We will try another note.” And he struck another:
The King sang, in a loud, deep voice,
The Chief Musician looked dejected. “I fear, O King,” he said, “that you can never learn to sing.” “What do you mean by that, Chief Musician?” asked the King. “It is your business to teach me to sing. Do you not know how to teach?” “No man knows better,” replied the Chief Musician. “But Your Majesty has no ear for music. You never can sing but one note.”