Page:The happy prince and other tales.djvu/39

 THE HAPPY PRINCE

"I am beginning to be appreciated," he cried; " this is from some great admirer. Now I can finish my play," and he looked quite happy.

The next day the Swallow flew down to the harbour. He sat on the mast of a large vessel and watched the sailors hauling big chests out of the hold with ropes. " Heave a-hoy ! ' they shouted as each chest came up. " I am going to Egypt ! ' cried the Swallow, but nobody minded, and when the moon rose he flew back to the Happy Prince.

" I am come to bid you good-bye," he cried.

" Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow," said the Prince, " will you not stay with me one night longer ? :

" It is winter," answered the Swallow, " and the chill snow will soon be here. In Egypt the sun is warm on the green palm-trees, and the crocodiles lie in the mud and look lazily