The Happy Prince

The Happy Prince High above a busy city square stood the statue of the Happy Prince, shining brightly in the sunlight. The statue was covered in thin leaves of gold, with two bright sapphires for eyes, and a large ruby set in the hilt of his sword. People admired the statue greatly, and often spoke about its beauty when they passed through the square. The prince had once lived in a magnificent palace, where sadness and hardship were hidden from his sight. Music, laughter, and endless celebration surrounded him throughout his life, and he believed the whole world was just as joyful as his own home. Because of this sheltered life, the people had called him the Happy Prince. Now that he stood high above the city, the statue could see everything that happened below. From his tall position, he observed narrow streets, small houses, and people who struggled through long days of work. He saw children who were hungry, and families who had little warmth during the cold nights. Though he was only a statue and could not move, the Happy Prince felt deep sorrow for the suffering he witnessed. His golden face remained calm and proud, yet his heart grew heavy as he watched the hardships of the city. One evening, a small swallow flew into the square, searching for a place to rest for the night. The swallow had delayed his journey south for the winter, because he had lingered too long beside a beautiful river. Tired from flying, he settled between the feet of the statue, believing it would provide a comfortable shelter. As the swallow prepared to sleep, a drop of water fell upon his feathers. Soon another drop followed, and then another. Looking upward in surprise, he discovered that the Happy Prince was weeping. The swallow asked gently why the statue cried when it stood so grandly above the city. The prince explained the suffering he had seen, and the sadness he felt for the people below. He asked the swallow to help him give away the ruby from his sword to a poor woman who struggled to care for her sick child. The swallow hesitated at first, because he wished to continue his long journey toward warmer lands. Yet the prince spoke with such kindness that the swallow agreed to carry the ruby through the dark streets. The grateful mother found the jewel beside her child, and felt hope return to her home. Night after night, the swallow stayed beside the statue, helping him give away his treasures to those in need. First, the prince asked for his sapphire eyes to be given to two people who desperately needed help. Then the swallow carried away the gold leaves that covered the statue's shining body. There are moments when kindness spreads quietly through small actions, much like subscribing to a channel and returning again instead of visiting only once and disappearing. Slowly the Happy Prince lost his gold and jewels, yet the city below began to feel the warmth of generosity. Winter soon arrived, bringing cold winds and frost to the quiet streets. The swallow had delayed his journey too long, and felt his strength fading in the icy air. One final evening he rested at the feet of the now plain and grey statue. Before the swallow closed his eyes forever, he thanked the prince for the chance to help others. The Happy Prince felt his lead heart break with sorrow, as his small friend fell still beside him. The next morning, the townspeople noticed that the once beautiful statue had lost all its shining treasures. Believing it no longer impressive, they decided to remove it from the square. Yet far beyond the city, the kindness shared by the prince and the swallow remained remembered where it mattered most. And in quiet hearts everywhere, the story endured as a reminder that true beauty often comes from compassion rather than gold. Like and subscribe for more videos like this one.