That morning everything seemed different.
The princes, and the elders of the church, the generals
And their ladies paraded themselves around the palace
In their newly tailored clothes.
Only the scientists in grey gowns and the fool in motley
Huddled in a corner away from the light,
Muttering to each other incomprehensibly.

To the sound of harps and tinkling water
Everyone complimented each other on how
Beautifully elegant they all looked.

The boy arrived late,
Stared quizzically at the proceedings,
Understood the smile on the Emperor's face,
Sniggered at the sight of so much underwear
And proceeded to express his admiration
For the style and cut of everyone's clothes.