After accomplishing all of the prince's chores, the swallow planned to travel to Egypt. When it was ultimately completed, however, the prince had lost his eyes while assisting the needy. Because of his compassion, the swallow could not leave the prince alone and vulnerable. When the swallow noticed the prince’s companions' sadness, it resolved to assist them as well as the Happy Prince. The swallow made the decision to stay and always be there for the prince. The swallow's act of self-sacrifice exemplifies how assisting others and being in the company of kind individuals influenced the bird positively. The bird opted to stay with the prince rather than fulfill its dream of flying away to Egypt because the prince had made such an impression on it.