To find the mysterious treasure he was to till the earth around his mother 's dwelling and reap its products ; instead of warlike command or regal or religious sway , he was to rule over the village children ; and now the visionary maid had faded from his fancy , and in her place he saw the playmate of his childhood . Would all who cherish such wild wishes but look around them , they would oftenest find their sphere of duty , of prosperity and happiness , within those precincts and in that station where Providence itself has cast their lot . High above the city , on a tall column , stood the statue of the Happy Prince . He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold , for eyes he had two bright sapphires , and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt . He was very much admired indeed . `` He is as beautiful as a weathercock , '' remarked one of the Town Councillors who wished to gain a reputation for having artistic tastes ; `` only not quite so useful , '' he added , fearing lest people should think him unpractical , which he really was not . `` Why ca n't you be like the Happy Prince ? '' asked a sensible mother of her little boy who was crying for the moon . `` The Happy Prince never dreams of crying for anything . '' `` I am glad there is some one in the world who is quite happy , '' muttered a disappointed man as he gazed at the wonderful statue . `` He looks just like an angel , '' said the Charity Children as they came out of the cathedral in their bright scarlet cloaks and their clean white pinafores . `` How do you know ? '' said the Mathematical Master , `` you have never seen one . '' `` Ah ! but we have , in our dreams , '' answered the children ; and the Mathematical Master frowned and looked very severe , for he did not approve of children dreaming . One night there flew over the city a little Swallow . His friends had gone away to Egypt six weeks before , but he had stayed behind , for he was in love with the most beautiful Reed . He had met her early in the spring as he was flying down the river after a big yellow moth , and had been so attracted by her slender waist that he had stopped to talk to her . `` Shall I love you ? '' said the Swallow , who liked to come to the point at once , and the Reed made him a low bow .
So he XXXXX round and round her , touching the water with his wings , and making silver ripples .
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