The swineherd.docVIP

THE SWINEHERD There was once a poor Prince, who had a kingdom. His kingdom was very small,but still quite large enough to marry upon; and he wished to marry. It was certainly rather cool of him to say to the Emperors daughter, Willyou have me? But so he did; for his name was renowned far and wide; and therewere a hundred princesses who would have answered, Yes! and Thank youkindly. We shall see what this princess said. Listen! It happened that where the Princes father lay buried, there grew a rosetree--a most beautiful rose tree, which blossomed only once in every fiveyears, and even then bore only one flower, but that was a rose! It smelt sosweet that all cares and sorrows were forgotten by him who inhaled itsfragrance. And furthermore, the Prince had a nightingale, who could sing in such a mannerthat it seemed as though all sweet melodies dwelt in her little throat. So thePrincess was to have the rose, and the nightingale; and they were accordinglyput into large silver caskets, and sent to her. The Emperor had them brought into a large hall, where the Princess was playingat Visiting, with the ladies of the court; and when she saw the caskets withthe presents, she clapped her hands for joy. Ah, if it were but a little pussy-cat! said she; but the rose tree, with itsbeautiful rose came to view. Oh, how prettily it is made! said all the court ladies. It is more than pretty, said the Emperor, it is charming! But the Princess touched it, and was almost ready to cry. Fie, papa! said she. It is not made at all, it is natural! Let us see what is in the other casket, before we get into a bad humor, saidthe Emperor. So the nightingale came forth and sang so delightfully that atfirst no one could say anything ill-humored of her. Superbe! Charmant! exclaimed the ladies; for they all used to chatter French,each one worse than her neighbor. How much the bird reminds me of the musical box that belonged to our blessedEmpress, said an old knight. Oh yes! These ar