In the centre of the great hall where the Emperor sat was a golden perch , on which the Nightingale sat . The whole Court was there , and the little kitchenmaid was allowed to stand behind the door , now that she was a Court-cook . Everyone was dressed in his best , and everyone was looking towards the little grey bird to whom the Emperor nodded . The Nightingale sang so gloriously that the tears came into the Emperor 's eyes and ran down his cheeks . Then the Nightingale sang even more beautifully ; it went straight to all hearts . The Emperor was so delighted that he said she should wear his gold slipper round her neck . But the Nightingale thanked him , and said she had had enough reward already . ' I have seen tears in the Emperor 's eyes -- that is a great reward . An Emperor 's tears have such power ! ' Then she sang again with her gloriously sweet voice . ` That is the most charming coquetry I have ever seen ! ' said all the ladies round . And they all took to holding water in their mouths that they might gurgle whenever anyone spoke to them . Then they thought themselves nightingales . Yes , the lackeys and chambermaids announced that they were pleased ; which means a great deal , for they are the most difficult people of all to satisfy . In short , the Nightingale was a real success . She had to stay at Court now ; she had her own cage , and permission to walk out twice in the day and once at night . She was given twelve servants , who each held a silken string which was fastened round her leg . There was little pleasure in flying about like this . The whole town was talking about the wonderful bird , and when two people met each other one would say ` Nightin , ' and the other ` Gale , ' and then they would both sigh and understand one another .
Yes , and eleven grocer 's children were called after her , but not one XXXXX them could sing a note .
about for in into of on that to towards with