NCERT Book Class 9 English (Moments) Chapter 5 The Happy Prince

5. The Happy Prince

The Happy Prince was a beautiful statue. He was
covered with gold, he had sapphires for eyes, and a
ruby in his sword. Why did he want to part with all
the gold that he had, and his precious stones?

HIGH above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the
Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold,
for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed
on his sword hilt.
One night there flew over the city a little swallow. His friends
had gone away to Egypt six weeks before, but he had stayed
behind; then he decided to go to Egypt too.
All day long he flew,
and at night time he
arrived at the city.
“Where shall I put
up?” he said. “I hope
the town has made
preparations.”
Then he saw the
statue on the tall column.
“I will put up there,”
he cried. “It is a fine
position with plenty of
fresh air.” So he alighted
just between the feet of
the Happy Prince.
“I have a golden
bed-r oom,” he said
softly to himself as he
looked round, and he