"The change in the neck was just what was needed," said the second; "it is very graceful now."
"The rear right foot is as it should be, now," said a third, "and it adds so much to the beauty of the whole!"
The fourth said that he considered the tail greatly improved.
"My courtiers are much pleased now," said the prince to Herr Grupello; "they think the statue much improved by the changes you have made."
Herr Grupello smiled a little. "I am glad they are pleased," he said, "but the fact is, I have changed nothing!"
"What do you mean?" said the prince in surprise. "Have we not heard the sound of hammering every day? What were you hammering at then?"
"I was hammering at the reputation of your courtiers, who found fault simply because they were jealous," said the artist. "And I rather think that their reputation is pretty well hammered to pieces!"
It was, indeed. The Elector laughed heartily, but the courtiers slunk away, one after another, without a word.