The Captain, the Peasant, the Parrot, and the Emperor
THE EMPEROR’S PARROT
NE day a parrot belonging to the Emperor Charlemagne escaped from its cage and could nowhere be found.
The Emperor, who was very fond of this parrot, which was a lovely bird, and could talk very well, promised a handsome reward for its recovery.
A peasant was fortunate enough to catch it one morning. “What luck to be able to see the Emperor,” he said, “and to be assured of being well received.”
Without further delay he talked the matter over with Caroline, his wife, in order to settle what he should wear and how he should behave at Court.
He decided to start on his journey the following Sunday.