Русалочка

           Andthenhetoldherofstormandofcalm,ofstrangefishesinthedeepbeneaththem,andofwhatthedivershadseenthere; andshesmiledathisdescriptions,forsheknewbetterthananyonewhatwonderswereatthebottomofthesea. 

           Inthemoonlight,whenallonboardwereasleep,exceptingthemanatthehelm,whowassteering,shesatonthedeck,gazingdownthroughtheclearwater. Shethoughtshecoulddistinguishherfather’scastle,anduponitheragedgrandmother,withthesilvercrownonherhead,lookingthroughtherushingtideatthekeelofthevessel. Thenhersisterscameuponthewaves,andgazedathermournfully,wringingtheirwhitehands. Shebeckonedtothem,andsmiled,andwantedtotellthemhowhappyandwelloffshewas;butthecabin-boyapproached,andwhenhersistersdiveddownhethoughtitwasonlythefoamoftheseawhichhesaw. 

           Thenextmorningtheshipsailedintotheharborofabeautifultownbelongingtothekingwhomtheprincewasgoingtovisit. Thechurchbellswereringing,andfromthehightowerssoundedaflourishoftrumpets;andsoldiers,withflyingcolorsandglitteringbayonets,linedtherocksthroughwhichtheypassed. Everydaywasafestival;ballsandentertainmentsfollowedoneanother. 

           Buttheprincesshadnotyetappeared. Peoplesaidthatshewasbeingbroughtupandeducatedinareligioushouse,whereshewaslearningeveryroyalvirtue. Atlastshecame.