She is embroidering passion - flowers on a satin gown for the loveliest of the Queen 's maids-of - honour to wear at the next Court-ball . In a bed in the corner of the room her little boy is lying ill . He has a fever , and is asking for oranges . His mother has nothing to give him but river water , so he is crying . Swallow , Swallow , little Swallow , will you not bring her the ruby out of my sword-hilt ? My feet are fastened to this pedestal and I can not move . '' `` I am waited for in Egypt , '' said the Swallow . `` My friends are flying up and down the Nile , and talking to the large lotus - flowers . Soon they will go to sleep in the tomb of the great King . The King is there himself in his painted coffin . He is wrapped in yellow linen , and embalmed with spices . Round his neck is a chain of pale green jade , and his hands are like withered leaves . '' `` Swallow , Swallow , little Swallow , '' said the Prince , `` will you not stay with me for one night , and be my messenger ? The boy is so thirsty , and the mother so sad . '' `` I do n't think I like boys , '' answered the Swallow . `` Last summer , when I was staying on the river , there were two rude boys , the miller 's sons , who were always throwing stones at me . They never hit me , of course ; we swallows fly far too well for that , and besides , I come of a family famous for its agility ; but still , it was a mark of disrespect . '' But the Happy Prince looked so sad that the little Swallow was sorry . `` It is very cold here , '' he said ; `` but I will stay with you for one night , and be your messenger . '' `` Thank you , little Swallow , '' said the Prince .
So the Swallow picked out the great ruby from the XXXXX 's sword , and flew away with it in his beak over the roofs of the town .
Court-ball Egypt King Prince Queen feet lotus night ruby sword-hilt