"
The butler being called, and his consent secured, the cook fell to
making the crusts for his novel pie, while Gilligren was taken to the
servants' hall and dressed in a gorgeous suit of the King's livery.
When the dinner was served, the King kept looking for the blackbird
pie, but he said nothing, and at last the pie was placed before him,
its crusts looking light and brown, and sprigs of myrtle being stuck
in the four corners to make it look more inviting.
Although the King had already eaten heartily, he smacked his lips when
he saw this tempting dish, and picking up the carving-fork he pushed
it quickly into the pie.
At once the crust fell in, and all the four and twenty blackbirds put
up their heads and began to look about them. And coming from the
blackness of the pie into the brilliantly lighted room they thought
they were in the sunshine, and began to sing merrily, while some of
the boldest hopped out upon the table or began flying around the room.
At first the good King was greatly surprised; but soon, appreciating
the jest, he lay back in his chair and laughed long and merrily. And
his courtiers and the fine ladies present heartily joined in the
laughter, for they also were greatly amused.
Then the King called for the cook, and when Mister Baker appeared,
uncertain of his reception, and filled with many misgivings, His
Majesty cried,
"Sirrah! how came you to think of putting live birds in the pie?"
The cook, fearing that the King was angry, answered,
"May it please your Majesty, it was not my thought, but the idea of
the boy who stands behind your chair.
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