英语有声儿童童话故事 皇帝的新装 第1章

Many years ago, there was anEmperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all hismoney in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nordid he care to go either to the theatre or the chase, except for theopportunities then afforded him for displaying his new clothes. He had adifferent suit for each hour of the day; and as of any other king or emperor,one is accustomed to say, “he is sitting in council,” it was always said ofhim, “The Emperor is sitting in his wardrobe.”

Time passed merrily in the largetown which was his capital; strangers arrived every day at the court. One day,two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance. They gave outthat they knew how to weave stuffs of the most beautiful colors and elaboratepatterns, the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderfulproperty of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office heheld, or who was extraordinarily simple in character.

“Thesemust, indeed, be splendid clothes!” thought the Emperor. “Had I such a suit, Imight at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, andalso be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish! This stuff must be wovenfor me immediately.” And he caused large sums of money to be given to both of theweavers in order that they might begin their work directly.