[68]LeafafterleafofthefinegoldtheSwallowpickedoff, , andthechildren’sfacesgrewrosier, andtheylaughedandplayedgamesinthestreet.“Wehavebreadnow!”theycried.
[69]Thenthesnowcame, , theyweresobrightandglistening ; longicicleslikecrystaldaggershungdownfromtheeavesofthehouses, everybodywentaboutinfurs, andthelittleboysworescarletcapsandskatedontheice.
[70]ThepoorlittleSwallowgrewcolderandcolder, buthewouldnotleavethePrince, ’sdoorwherethebakerwasnotlooking, andtriedtokeephimselfwarmbyflappinghiswings.
[71]’sshoulderoncemore.“Good-bye, dearPrince!”hemurmured, “willyouletmekissyourhand?”
[72]“IamgladthatyouaregoingtoEgyptatlast, littleSwallow,”saidthePrince, “youhavestayedtoolonghere; butyoumustkissmeonthelips, forIloveyou.”
[73]“ItisnottoEgyptthatIamgoing,”saidtheSwallow.“, ishenot?”
[74]AndhekissedtheHappyPrinceonthelips, andfelldowndeadathisfeet.
[75]Atthatmomentacuriouscracksoundedinsidethestatue, : “Dearme! HowshabbytheHappyPrincelooks!”hesaid.
[76]“Howshabbyindeed!”criedtheTownCouncillors, whoalwaysagreedwiththeMayor, andtheywentuptolookatit.
[77]“Therubyhasfallenoutofhissword, hiseyesaregone, andheisgoldennolonger,”saidtheMayor; “infact, heislittlebetterthanabeggar!”
[78]“Littlebetterthanabeggar”saidtheTownCouncillors.
[79]“Andhereisactuallyadeadbirdathisfeet!”continuedtheMayor.“Wemustreallyissueaproclamationthatbirdsarenottobeallowedtodiehere.”AndtheTownClerkmadeanoteofthesuggestion.
