"Brother Tiger! really you are not thinking! The etiquette of my court is that the invited guest, in order to take part in the dance, should appear without a head. Look around you. All here would think themselves guilty of the most unpardonable rudeness if they dared to raise their eyes in the presence of their sovereign. The simplest rules of politeness require that you should follow their example. Do as they are doing, if you desire to dance with the Queen of the Birds."
"Your Majesty," exclaimed Brother Tiger, blushing violently, "I had no intention of wounding you, and I humbly beg you to pardon my ignorance. I am merely a poor country person who is used to spending his days and nights in quiet places, and I am unused to the ways and customs of the court. Promise me another dance, I beg you, and I will return immediately."
"I never had any ill-will against you, Brother Tiger," said the Queen of the Birds. "One cannot know everything. Go! I await you!"
Brother Tiger rushed to his home, and in a very short time he arrived.
"Wife, wife!" he exclaimed, "get an axe. In order to have the honor of dancing with the great Queen of the Birds, one must appear before her without a head."
"My poor husband," said Mrs. Tiger, "I really believe you are losing your mind or that you are making fun of me."
"No, no!" said Brother Tiger, "it is the etiquette of the court. All the other guests were dancing without heads. Get the axe, wife! The Queen awaits me."
Mrs. Tiger did not want to obey; but when she saw that her angry husband was disposed to show his sharp claws, she took the sharp axe and cut off his head with one blow. It is needless to say that Brother Tiger expired instantly. The good news was carried to the Queen of the Birds by two green paroquets, and when the announcement was made the birds took their heads from under their wings. All the other animals in the forest were invited to the feast, and Mother Sheep and her son were special guests. They were still in mourning, and therefore did not take part in the dance, but they received special attention and consideration on all sides, and the wonderful orchestra kept up its playing.
Now, big sheep and little children, let me whisper something in your ears: It is better not to open your mouths at all than to be too familiar with people you do not know well.