'No, those are the cows bellowing; we are a long way yet from the
place.' Then the frogs began to croak in the marsh.

'Beautiful!' said the Chinese chaplain, 'it is just like the tinkling of
church bells.'

'No, those are the frogs!' said the little kitchen-maid. 'But I think we
shall soon hear it now!'

Then the nightingale began to sing.

'There it is!' said the little girl. 'Listen, listen, there it sits!'
and she pointed to a little grey bird up among the branches.

'Is it possible?' said the gentleman-in-waiting. 'I should never have
thought it was like that. How common it looks! Seeing so many grand
people must have frightened all its colours away.'

'Little nightingale!' called the kitchen-maid quite loud, 'our gracious
emperor wishes you to sing to him!'

'With the greatest of pleasure!' said the nightingale, warbling away in
the most delightful fashion.

'It is just like crystal bells,' said the gentleman-in-waiting. 'Look at
its little throat, how active it is. It is extraordinary that we have
never heard it before! I am sure it will be a great success at court!'

'Shall I sing again to the emperor?' said the nightingale, who thought
he was present.