The Nightingale · page 21 2101The street-boys sang, "Zi-zi-zi, cluck, cluck, cluck," and the emperor himself could sing it also.102It was really most amusing.103One evening, when the artificial bird was singing its best, and the emperor lay in bed listening to it, something inside the bird sounded "whizz."104Then a spring cracked. "105Whir-r-r-r" went all the wheels, running round, and then the music stopped.106The emperor immediately sprang out of bed, and called for his physician; but what could he do?107Then they sent for a watchmaker; and, after a great deal of talking and examination, the bird was put into something like order; but he said that it must be used very carefully, as the barrels were worn, and it would be impossible to put in new ones without injuring the music.108Now there was great sorrow, as the bird could only be allowed to play once a year; and even that was dangerous for the works inside it.109Then the music-master made a little speech, full of hard words, and declared that the bird was as good as ever; and, of course no one contradicted him.110Five years passed, and then a real grief came upon the land.111The Chinese really were fond of their emperor, and he now lay so ill that he was not expected to live.112Already a new emperor had been chosen and the people who stood in the street asked the lord-in-waiting how the old emperor was; but he only said, "Pooh!" and shook his head.113Cold and pale lay the emperor in his royal bed; the whole court thought he was dead, and every one ran away to pay homage to his successor.114The chamberlains went out to have a talk on the matter, and the ladies'-maids invited company to take coffee.115Cloth had been laid down on the halls and passages, so that not a footstep should be heard, and all was silent and still.116But the emperor was not yet dead, although he lay white and stiff on his gorgeous bed, with the long velvet curtains and heavy gold tassels.117A window stood open, and the moon shone in upon the emperor and the artificial bird.118The poor emperor, finding he could scarcely breathe with a strange weight on his chest, opened his eyes, and saw Death sitting there.119He had put on the emperor's golden crown, and held in one hand his sword of state, and in the other his beautiful banner.120All around the bed and peeping through the long velvet curtains, were a number of strange heads, some very ugly, and others lovely and gentle-looking.121These were the emperor's good and bad deeds, which stared him in the face now Death sat at his heart.122"Do you remember this?" "123Do you recollect that?" they asked one after another, thus bringing to his remembrance circumstances that made the perspiration stand on his brow.124"I know nothing about it," said the emperor. "125Music! music!" he cried; "the large Chinese drum! that I may not hear what they say."126But they still went on, and Death nodded like a Chinaman to all they said. "127Music! music!" shouted the emperor. "128You little precious golden bird, sing, pray sing!129I have given you gold and costly presents; I have even hung my golden slipper round your neck.130Sing! sing!"131But the bird remained silent.132There was no one to wind it up, and therefore it could not sing a note.133Death continued to stare at the emperor with his cold, hollow eyes, and the room was fearfully still.134Suddenly there came through the open window the sound of sweet music.135Outside, on the bough of a tree, sat the living nightingale.136She had heard of the emperor's illness, and was therefore come to sing to him of hope and trust.137And as she sung, the shadows grew paler and paler; the blood in the emperor's veins flowed more rapidly, and gave life to his weak limbs; and even Death himself listened, and said, "Go on, little nightingale, go on."138"Then will you give me the beautiful golden sword and that rich banner? and will you give me the emperor's crown?" said the bird.139So Death gave up each of these treasures for a song; and the nightingale continued her singing.140She sung of the quiet churchyard, where the white roses grow, where the elder-tree wafts its perfume on the breeze, and the fresh, sweet grass is moistened by the mourners' tears.141Then Death longed to go and see his garden, and floated out through the window in the form of a cold, white mist.142"Thanks, thanks, you heavenly little bird.143I know you well.144I banished you from my kingdom once, and yet you have charmed away the evil faces from my bed, and banished Death from my heart, with your sweet song.145How can I reward you?"146"You have already rewarded me," said the nightingale. "147I shall never forget that I drew tears from your eyes the first time I sang to you.148These are the jewels that rejoice a singer's heart.149But now sleep, and grow strong and well again.150I will sing to you again."151And as she sung, the emperor fell into a sweet sleep; and how mild and refreshing that slumber was!152When he awoke, strengthened and restored, the sun shone brightly through the window; but not one of his servants had returned--they all believed he was dead; only the nightingale still sat beside him, and sang.153"You must always remain with me," said the emperor. "154You shall sing only when it pleases you; and I will break the artificial bird into a thousand pieces."155"No; do not do that," replied the nightingale; "the bird did very well as long as it could.156Keep it here still.157I cannot live in the palace, and build my nest; but let me come when I like.158I will sit on a bough outside your window, in the evening, and sing to you, so that you may be happy, and have thoughts full of joy.159I will sing to you of those who are happy, and those who suffer; of the good and the evil, who are hidden around you.160The little singing bird flies far from you and your court to the home of the fisherman and the peasant's cot.161I love your heart better than your crown; and yet something holy lingers round that also.162I will come, I will sing to you; but you must promise me one thing."163"Everything," said the emperor, who, having dressed himself in his imperial robes, stood with the hand that held the heavy golden sword pressed to his heart.164"I only ask one thing," she replied; "let no one know that you have a little bird who tells you everything.165It will be best to conceal it."166So saying, the nightingale flew away.167The servants now came in to look after the dead emperor; when, lo! there he stood, and, to their astonishment, said, "Good morning."1 2← previousThe Neighbouring Familiesnext →There Is No Doubt About It↑ back to Fairy Tales of Hans Christian AndersenThis page in Markdown → https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/125/page/2/