…and
after the child had cried out that the emperor had no clothes he was
surrounded by the emperor’s aides and advisors.
“Are
you a tailor?” asked one councillor.
“No”
said the child.
“Are
you a fashion designer or some such?” asked a colonel, “or perhaps have been
making clothes for several decades?”
“er,
no”
“A
fashion writer perhaps?” suggested a major.
The
child shook his head.
“Some
other branch of the press…?” ventured another minister. Again, the child replied negatively.
The
aides huddled together and conferred.
“The
emperor does look rather cold!” Observed the child. “It is not very warm today. He really should wear something warmer.”
“Enough!”
barked a councillor “We have determined that you are not an accredited subject
matter expert, nor have you any experience in haute couture. Your opinion is irrelevant!”
With
that, the aides walked away. The emperor was allowed to continue his
procession. He contracted a nasty chill and died three days later, much to the
bafflement of the aides.
The Books
