When the swallow flies over the city, it sees a broad view of the city's layout including buildings, streets, parks, and possibly bodies of water. More importantly, it observes a stark contrast between the rich and the poor: the rich making merry in their beautiful houses, while the beggars sit outside the gates. The swallow also flies into dark lanes where it notices the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets. It even sees scenes like two little boys lying in each other's arms trying to keep warm under a bridge while being ordered to leave by a watchman. This gives the swallow a vivid impression of both plenty and poverty in the city.