Emperor's New Clothes

So the two pretended weavers set up two looms, and affected to work very busily, though in reality they did nothing at all.

One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance.

The Emperor's New Clothes
Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress.

"I should like to know how the weavers are getting on with my cloth," said the Emperor to himself, after some little time had elapsed; he was, however, rather embarrassed, when he remembered that a simpleton, or one unfit for his office, would be unable to see the manufacture.

One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance.

They asked for the most delicate silk and the purest gold thread; put both into their own knapsacks; and then continued their pretended work at the empty looms until late at night.

So the faithful old minister went into the hall, where the knaves were working with all their might, at their empty looms.

Here is the mantle!

They gave out that they knew how to weave stuffs of the most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns, the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderful property of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office he held, or who was extraordinarily simple in character.

"I should like to know how the weavers are getting on with my cloth," said the Emperor to himself, after some little time had elapsed; he was, however, rather embarrassed, when he remembered that a simpleton, or one unfit for his office, would be unable to see the manufacture.

All his retinue now strained their eyes, hoping to discover something on the looms, but they could see no more than the others; nevertheless, they all exclaimed, "Oh, how beautiful!" and advised his majesty to have some new clothes made from this splendid material, for the approaching procession.

What glorious colors!" and at the same time they pointed to the empty frames; for they imagined that everyone else could see this exquisite piece of workmanship.

"It has my complete approbation."

The Emperor was accordingly undressed, and the rogues pretended to array him in his new suit; the Emperor turning round, from side to side, before the looking glass.

"Had I such a suit, I might at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, and also be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish!

The Emperor now sent another officer of his court to see how the men were getting on, and to ascertain whether the cloth would soon be ready.

"Oh, it is excellent!" replied the old minister, looking at the loom through his spectacles.

"Indeed, please your Imperial Majesty," said he to his sovereign when he returned, "the cloth which the weavers are preparing is extraordinarily magnificent."