Page 71 - Universal
P. 71
admirer. With the money, he bought
food and firewood and was able to
finish his play.
As winter intensified, the Swallow
and the Happy Prince continued their
acts of kindness. The Swallow shared
tales of his travels with the Prince,
and the Prince offered his fine gold
to the poor. The city’s children played
happily and were fed, all thanks to
their benevolent actions.
One night, the Swallow knew it was
time to leave for Egypt. The Prince
pleaded for him to stay, but the
Swallow couldn’t bear the freezing
What y weather any longer. However, as he
What you Think?ou Think?
prepared to leave, he saw the Prince’s
Why was the poor leaden heart break in the cold. The little bird was touched
playwright Upset ?
by the Prince’s love and decided to stay with him forever.
The Prince was delighted, and they spent days together, making
the city a better place for its downtrodden citizens. However, as spring approached, the
Swallow knew he had to depart to Egypt, as his friends were waiting.
He said his tearful goodbyes to the Prince, promising to return. But the Happy Prince
knew that he could never leave his pedestal. His heart was made of lead, and his feet
were firmly fixed to the column. He could only watch as the Swallow flew away, leaving
him alone.
The Swallow flew over distant lands, enjoying the beauty of nature and the warmth of
the Sun. He visited the pyramids of Egypt and marvelled at the wonders of the world.
But as summer approached, he remembered his promise to the Happy Prince. He decided
to return to the city to stay with him once again. Yet, when he arrived, he found the
Happy Prince completely covered in snow. The citizens had deemed him no longer
beautiful or useful, and they decided to pull down the statue.
In the face of the Happy Prince’s faded appearance, the Mayor suggested a statue of
himself to replace it, and the Town Councillors readily agreed. They quarrelled over the
new statue, each insisting on their own greatness.
69
The English Carnival-6

