THE FAIRY PRINCE AND THE MERMAIDS. 161

No sooner were these words spoken than
the fairy prince and Wassa found themselves
on the bank of the stream, and the fairy bark
nowhere to be seen. :

“ Now thou see’st,” said Wassa, “ what comes
of thy naughtiness. Thou hast disobeyed the
fairy of the brook, and thou canst not go to
the sea.”

“T must and will go to the sea!
So take me up and carry me!”

cried the naughty little prince.

Thus ordered, Wassa took up her wilful
charge and walked along the brook side until
her feet were very weary. At last they came
in sight of the ocean, and as the fresh air fanned
her cheeks, Wassa felt her courage revive, and
hastened her steps.

“Now,” said Wassa as she stood on the
shore and set the prince on the shining sand,
“what are we to do next? There are no mer-
maids here.”

“ Far out at sea the mermaids stay,
And there they sport the livelong day,”
replied the prince.
“One thing is certain, we cannot go to