The Happy Prince

Oscar Wilde is a writer that I have neglected in my various studies. My beloved wife pointed me to a very beautiful short story, The Happy Prince.

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.

Whatever Mr. Wilde was during his too brief life, he was a Christian, and on his deathbed converted to the Roman Catholic Church repentant of his sins.

This is about Christian love, and our own reactions to it should be guided by Christian forgiveness and love.

If you haven't read it yet, read it.