"Far away," said the Prince, "there is a poor house. A woman sits by the window. Her boy is sick with fever. He asks for oranges. His mother has only river water to give him. Swallow, will you take the ruby from my sword to her?" "My friends are waiting for me in Egypt," said the Swallow. But the Prince looked so sad that the little bird agreed. He took the great ruby and flew away over the city. He laid it on the table beside the woman. Then he flew back to the Prince. All that night he stayed close to the statue. He told the Prince stories of warm Egypt and the great river. The Prince listened in silence. On the next night the Prince spoke again. "Far across the city I see a young man in his room. He is trying to finish a play. But he is too cold and too hungry. Swallow, pluck out one of my eyes and bring it to him." "Dear Prince, I cannot do that," cried the Swallow. But he obeyed. He plucked out the sapphire and brought it to the young man, who buried his face in his hands.