They all sang and played most heartily, all in honor of Emily’s birthday. And when they had finished there was loud applause and cries of “More! more!” But just at that moment Colonel Claw stepped forward, and told them that the birds also would be pleased to favor Emily and her guests with some music. A Starling, whom Colonel Claw had taught to make a speech for the occasion, stepped forward and said that as all the birds in Templeton Garden had been most kindly treated, and had even had fine, comfortable houses provided for them, they wanted to show their appreciation by helping to celebrate Emily’s birthday. Then the Starling, bowing low, turned to Emily and added: “In the name of all the birds of Templeton Garden, I wish you a great many happy returns!” So saying he returned to the elm tree. Colonel Claw gave the word of command, and the music began. The birds are the sweetest of all sweet singers, and the chorus was grand. It was a billow of song that rose and fell like the waves of a mighty ocean. At times no one voice could be heard distinctly; again, the flute-like notes of the Wood Thrush, the Purple Finch’s rich, melodious warble, or the beautiful trill of the Vireo could be heard quite plainly above the chorus. The birds were jubilant. Never before had they sung with so much strength and sweetness. And when at last the music died away in gentle cadences, Emily and her friends clapped their hands in glee, and said they had never in all their lives heard anything so beautiful. Then Tono, at a signal from Captain Featherweight, bowed low before Emily and said: “The elves of Mount Fern take this opportunity to express their thanks for their comfortable home in Templeton Garden, and beg that their choir and orchestra may be allowed to take part in the celebration of your birthday.” Emily was very much delighted and said that any one was fortunate who had the elves for friends. So the elfin choir and orchestra flew up into the large white oak tree that stood near the mulberry tree. And there they played and sang the music which Rhymo and Tono had composed for the occasion: _The Wish of the Elves._ “’Tis a festive occasion Which brings us today, To sing thy high praises In musical lay! Your life in its morning Dawns glorious and bright, With promise of sunshine, And gladness and light. May future years bring thee The gifts most sublime, Great courage and wisdom, And hope for all time!” Emily knew she had never heard anything half so wonderful. She told her Father and Mother that this was the most splendid day she had ever lived, and that she did not know how she was ever going to wait until her next birthday--for she thought birthdays were the very nicest days in all the year. Just as she said this, she saw Captain Featherweight and Rhymo coming toward her. The Captain carried a box, and she wondered if she were really going to get another present after all she had already received.