“The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

gilded

covered with a thin layer of gold

shabby

worn out or faded from use or age

alighted

descended and settled, as from the air

haughty

arrogantly proud or superior

seamstress

a woman who sews for a living

swooned

fainted from extreme emotion

propped

supported or held up

ventured

dared to do something risky or uncertain

fluttered

moved quickly and lightly, like wings

reed

a tall, slender grass plant

passion

intense emotion or strong feeling

leaden

dull, heavy, or gray like lead

embalmers

people who preserve dead bodies

pluck

to remove or pull something quickly

sapphire

a bright blue precious stone

ruby

a deep red precious stone

infirm

physically weak or frail

agony

intense pain or suffering

toil

hard and continuous work

melting (emotionally)

becoming soft-hearted or sympathetic

pitiless

lacking compassion or mercy

swift

moving very fast

weary

very tired or exhausted

frost

thin ice crystals from freezing air

treasure-house

a place where valuables are kept