"'Will your imperial Majesty most graciously be pleased to undress? We will then try on the new things before the glass.'
"The Emperor allowed himself to be undressed, and then the two cheats did exactly as if each one helped him on with an article of dress, while his Majesty turned himself round on all sides before the mirror.
"'The canopy which is to be borne above your Majesty in the procession, is in readiness without,' announced the chief master of the ceremonies.
"'I am quite ready,' replied the Emperor, turning round once more before the looking-glass.
"So the Emperor walked on, under the high canopy, through the streets of the metropolis, and all the people in the streets and at the windows cried out, 'Oh, how beautiful the Emperor's new dress is!' In short there was nobody but wished to cheat himself into the belief that he saw the Emperor's new clothes.
"'But he has nothing on!' said a little child.'
"And then all the people cried out, 'He has nothing on!'
"But the Emperor and the courtiers—they retained their seeming faith, and walked on with great dignity to the close of the procession."
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