Near the songster, in the dark background of the large trees, could be seen the glistening eyes of an owl, attracted by the harmony.

In this way the _fete_ of the whole court was a _fete_ also for the mysterious inhabitants of the forest; for certainly the deer in the brake, the pheasant on the branch, the fox in its hole, were all listening.

One could realize the life led by this nocturnal and invisible population from the restless movements that suddenly took place among the leaves.
Our sylvan nymphs uttered a slight cry, but, reassured immediately afterwards, they laughed, and resumed their walk.

In this manner they reached the royal oak, the venerable relic of a tree which in its prime has listened to the sighs of Henry II.

for the beautiful Diana of Poitiers, and later still to those of Henry IV.