The statue of the Happy Prince stood high above the city,where it could be seen by all the citizens.It was covered all over with the finest gold.For the eyes, there were two splendid sapphires and there was a large red ruby in the handle of its sword.It was very much admired bye everyone.
One night, a little swallow flew over the city.His friends had already flown to Egypt to spend the winter there but he had remained behind. "I hope I can find somewhere to sleep," he said to himself. Then he saw the statue. "That's just the place for me ," he decided."A fine position, with plenty of fresh air and a very good view."He flew down to rest just between the feet of the Happy Prince."I have a golden bedroom,"he thought as he prepared to go to sleep. But then,just as he was putting his head under his wing ,a large drop of water fell on him.He looked up ."It is very strange," he paid." There is not a single cloud in the sky and the stars are shining bright, but it is raining ."Then another drop fell on him ."what is the use of a statue if it cannot keep the rain off?" he said ."Well, I shall have to look for somewhere else to sleep." But before he had opened his wings, a third drop fell.He look up again and saw –Ah, what did he see?
The eyes of the Happy Prince were filled with tears and tears where streaming down his golden face .He looked so sorrowful in the light of the moon that the little swallow felt grieved for him.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I am the Happy Prince. "
"Then why are you crying? You have made me quite wet with your tears".
" When I was alive and had a human heart, "the Prince explained ,"