High above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt. He was very much admired indeed.

One night there flew over the city a little Swallow. His friends had gone away to Egypt six weeks before, but he had stayed behind, for he was in love with the most beautiful Reed. He had met her early in the spring as he was flying down the river after a big yellow moth, and had been so attracted by her slender waist that he had stopped to talk to her.

When the autumn came, all other swallows flew away. After they had gone he felt lonely, and began to tire of his love.

All day long he flew, and at night-time he arrived at the city. He saw a statue on the tall column. He prepared to go to sleep under the statute; but just as he was putting his head under his wing a large drop of water fell on him. Then another drop fell. He looked up and saw the eyes of the Happy Prince were filled with tears. Tears were running down his golden cheeks.