One night a little Swallow flew over the city. His friends had gone to Egypt six weeks before. But he had stayed behind. He was in love with a beautiful Reed by the river. He had met her in the spring. He spoke to her all summer long. "Shall I love you?" said the Swallow. The Reed only bent her head. So the Swallow flew away. The autumn winds were already cold. He flew all day, and at night he came to the city. "Where shall I rest?" he said. He saw the golden statue. "I will stay here," he cried. "It is a fine place with plenty of fresh air." He sat down between the feet of the Happy Prince.