A tree stands in a wood near a small peasant village. The tree bears a golden bough on which hangs a golden cage. In the cage is a magical golden bird. The bird never sings, and its feathers droop disconsolately. The people of the village believe a curse will fall upon the village and anyone who might touch the cage or free the magical bird. They carry on as usual with an autumn harvest festival, ignoring the bird's plight.

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