The Happy Prince: Level 1

By Oscar Wilde

This book has two stories and includes the tales of a goldcovered prince statue that feels sorry for the poor people in hiscity and gives them the gold off his body. It also includes a storyabout a devoted friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Compass Publishing
• Release date: Feb 24, 2009
• ISBN: 9781599661780

Book preview

The Happy Prince

A Sad Statue

The statue of the Happy Prince was covered all over with gold. For eyes, he had two bright jewels. There was also a bright red jewel on the handle of his sword. The people of the city liked him very much. You are like an angel, children said to him as they came out of the church with their teacher.

One night, a little swallow flew over the city. His friends had gone away to Egypt, but he had stayed behind. He was in love with the most beautiful reed. He had met her early in the spring as he was flying down the river and had thought her so lovely that he had stopped to talk to her.

He is foolish to love a reed, the other swallows said to one another. She has no money and a large family. This was true. The river was full of reeds.

When autumn came, the other swallows all flew away. After they had gone, he felt lonely. Will you come away with me? he asked her. The reed shook her head. She wanted to stay at home in the river.

Then I shall leave you, the swallow said. "I am going to the pyramids. Goodbye!" And he flew away.

All day long he flew, and at night-time he arrived at the city. Where shall I stay?