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 Prince 's sword , and flew away with it in his beak over the roofs of the town . He passed by the cathedral tower , where the white marble angels were sculptured . He passed by the palace and heard the sound of dancing . A beautiful girl came out on the balcony with her lover . `` How wonderful the stars are , '' he said to her , `` and how wonderful is the power of love ! '' `` I hope my dress will be ready in time for the State-ball , '' she answered ; `` I have ordered passion-flowers to be embroidered on it ; but the seamstresses are so lazy . '' He passed over the river , and saw the lanterns hanging to the masts of the ships . He passed over the Ghetto , and saw the old Jews bargaining with each other , and weighing out money in copper scales . At last he came to the poor house and looked in . The boy was tossing feverishly on his bed , and the mother had fallen asleep , she was so tired . In he hopped , and laid the great ruby on the table beside the woman 's thimble . Then he flew gently round the bed , fanning the boy 's forehead with his wings . `` How cool I feel , '' said the boy , `` I must be getting better '' ; and he sank into a delicious slumber .
Then the Swallow flew back to the Happy XXXXX , and told him what he had done .
Jews Prince State-ball beak lanterns night passion-flowers ruby seamstresses summer