. In happy far-away land . m the table as Tommy bowed low to him and to theQueen and the Princess, who sat on a divan at one side of the room, andthen Tommy stood up straight, his head high, not at all abashed, for he hada stout and merry heart, and, with Tray and his guitar, felt as rich as KingCole himself. Well, my little singer, said the King, seating himself in an easy chair, let us hear what you can do. Tommy bowed again and, thrumming his guitar, began to sing, and thesongs he sang were none that the Kings singers ever sang to him, but merrytunes and simple melodies the King himself had
. In happy far-away land . m the table as Tommy bowed low to him and to theQueen and the Princess, who sat on a divan at one side of the room, andthen Tommy stood up straight, his head high, not at all abashed, for he hada stout and merry heart, and, with Tray and his guitar, felt as rich as KingCole himself. Well, my little singer, said the King, seating himself in an easy chair, let us hear what you can do. Tommy bowed again and, thrumming his guitar, began to sing, and thesongs he sang were none that the Kings singers ever sang to him, but merrytunes and simple melodies the King himself had sung when a boy. Andwhen he finished with a song King Cole had heard his mother sing, whenhe was only a little prince, His Majesty sprang up and cried withdelight : Why, I have not heard such music in many a day! Where did youlearn to sing so beautifully with that sweet voice of yours ? I learned from the birds, Your Majesty, answered Tommy, and fromthe wind in the trees, and from the ripple of the brooks. My father was a. TOMMY BEGAN TO SING 94 LITTLE TOMMY TUCKER great singer, and I have come to the great city to find teachers to teach meto sing as he did. And how will you pay for all this ? asked King Cole. I shall sing and play in the streets with my friend Tray, answeredTommy, until I have earned all I need. It will be hard work, but anythingthat is worth having is worth working for, and one cannot be a great singerwithout years of study. I wish you success, my boy, said the King. And now tell me how Ishall pay you for the pleasant hour you have given me ? If you will but give me supper for myself and Tray, Your Majesty,Tommy answered, I shall be well repaid, for I am already paid in the coinof happiness at the thought of having pleased the King. King Cole smiled at Tommys way of speaking, for the boy had as proudan air as any lord in the land. You shall sup with me ! he cried, and as at that moment anothergorgeous footman announced that His Majesty was served, Tommy, in
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