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 THE HAPPY PRINCE

saw the rich making merry in their beautiful houses, while the beggars were sitting at the gates. He flew into dark lanes, and saw the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets. Under the arch- way of a bridge two little boys were lying in one another's arms to try and keep themselves warm. a How hungry we are ! they said. " You must not lie here," shouted the Watch- man, and they wandered out into the rain.

Then he flew back and told the Prince what he had seen.

a I am covered with fine gold," said the Prince, " you must take it off, leaf by leaf, and give it to my poor ; the living always think that gold can make them happy."

Leaf after leaf of the fine gold the Swallow picked off, till the Happy Prince looked quite dull and grey. Leaf after leaf of the fine gold he brought to the poor, and the children's

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