The Happy Prince (5)

The Happy Prince (5)

" But I am on may way to the south, "said the swallow.
" All the others have gone. I shall be lost if I don't go soon. "

" Please, little swallow, stop here just one night and do as I ask, " pleaded the Prince.

" I don't like boys very much, " said the swallow.
" Some of them throw stones at me. "

" This one is very, very ill. Please, little swallow. "

" All right. Just one night then. "

So the swallow pecked out the red jewel and flew off with it in his beak.

On the way he passed the big house where the queen's maid lived.

He heard her say, " I hope my dress will be ready in time for the ball. That lazy woman is so slow; she will have to work much faster or it will be too late. "

The little swallow flew on till he came to the poor house.

(5/12)