of emperors.” “I cannot perfectly agree with you in opinion,” said the emperor very obligingly “for its first appearance makes me suspect you; however, I will not pass my judgment upon it till I have seen it all; therefore be pleased to conduct me through the apartments.”
The princess led the emperor through all the rooms except the hall; and, after he had considered them very attentively, and admired their variety, “My daughter,” said he to the princess, “do you call this a country house? The finest and largest cities would soon be deserted if all country houses were like yours. I am no longer surprised that you despise the town. Now let me see the garden, which I doubt not is answerable to the house.”
The princess opened a door which led into the garden, and the first object which presented itself to the emperor’s view was the golden fountain. Surprised at so rare an object, he asked from whence that wonderful water, which gave so much pleasure to behold, had been procured; where was its source, and by what art it was made to play so high. He said he would presently take a nearer view of it.
The princess then led him to the spot where the harmonious tree was planted; and there the emperor heard a concert, different from all he had ever heard before; and stopping to see where the musicians were, he could discern nobody far or near, but still distinctly heard the music which ravished his senses. “My daughter,” said he to the princess, “where are the musicians whom I hear? Are they under ground, or invisible in the air? Such excellent performers will hazard nothing by being seen; on the contrary, they would please the more.”
“Sir,” answered the princess, smiling, “they are not musicians, but the leaves of the tree your majesty sees before you, which
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