Цитаты из книги «The Happy Prince and Other Tales»

“It is not to Egypt that I am going,” said the Swallow.

“You have rightly chosen,” said God, “for in my garden of Paradise this little bird shall sing for evermore, and in my city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise me.”

“Bring me the two most precious things in the city,” said God to one of His Angels;

As they passed the column he looked up at the statue: “Dear me! how shabby the Happy Prince looks!” he said.

At that moment a curious crack sounded inside the statue, as if something had broken

He picked up crumbs outside the baker’s door when the baker was not looking, and tried to keep himself warm by flapping his wings. But at last he knew that he was going to die. He had just strength to fly up to the Prince’s shoulder once more. “Good-bye, dear Prince!” he murmured, “will you let me kiss your hand?”

“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.”

He flew into dark lanes, and saw the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets

So the Swallow flew over the great city, and saw the rich making merry in their beautiful houses, while the beggars were sitting at the gates.

“Dear little Swallow,” said the Prince, “you tell me of marvellous things, but more marvellous than anything is the suffering of men and of women.