But certainly, for those of us who understand life, we could not care less about figures.I should have liked to start this story like a fairytale. I should have liked to say :"Once upon a time there was a little prince who lived on a planet scarcely bigger than himself and who had need of a friend........"

To those who understand life, that would have given a much greater air of truth to my story.

For I do not want anyone to read my book carelessly.I have suffered too much grief in setting down these memories.Six years have already elapsed since my little friend went away from me, with his sheep.If I try to describe him here, it is in order not to forget him.To forget a friend is sad.Not everyone has had a friend.And if I forget him ,I may become like grown-ups who are no longer interested in anything but figures...