"
So saying he flew up to the window, and at first frightened the
princess very much, for she could not understand such an extraordinary
thing as a bird who talked in words like a man, yet kept still the
piping voice of a nightingale. But soon she began stroking his
beautiful plumage, and caressing him.
"Who are you, charming bird?"
"You have spoken my name. I am King Charming, condemned to be a bird
for seven years, because I will not renounce you."
"Ah! do not deceive me. I know you have married Troutina. She came to
visit me with your diamonds on her neck, and your ring on her finger,
wearing the golden crown and royal mantle which you had given her,
while I was laden with iron chains."
"It is all false," sang the Blue Bird, and told her his whole story,
which comforted her so much that she thought no more of her
misfortunes. They conversed till daybreak, and promised faithfully
every night to meet again thus.
Meantime the princess could not sleep for thinking of her Blue Bird.
"Suppose sportsmen should shoot him, or eagles and kites attack him,
and vultures devour him just as if he were a mere bird and not a great
king? What should I do if I saw his poor feathers scattered on the
ground, and knew that he was no more?" So she grieved all day long.
The beautiful Blue Bird, hid in a hollow tree, spent the hours in
thinking of his princess.
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