Page:Morning-Glories and Other Stories.djvu/159

But Bessie wondered more and more,
   And Bessie's check grew pale;
For both the mermaids bore below
   A graceful little tail,—
One, bright with silver scales, that shone
   In every fin and fold;
The other, brighter, stranger still,
   All glittering with gold.
"Come hither, little mermaids, pray,"
   Cried Bessie, from her nook,
"I will not touch or trouble you,—
   I only want to look."
The startled mermaids glanced at her.
   And whispered long and low;
At last, one to the other said,
   "Dear Goldfin, let us go."
Then, gliding from their rocky seat.
   And floating through the sea,
They reached the nook where Bessie lay,
   And looked up smilingly:
"Now, ask of us whate'er you will.
   We'll surely grant it thee,"
Bright Goldfin said unto the child,
   Who watched them silently.
And Bessie answered with delight,
   "You seem so blithe and gay,
And I'm so sad and lonely here,
   Make me a mermaid, pray."
"Ah! choose again: that is not wise,"
   Cried Goldfin, earnestly;
"I have no spell to change your heart,
   And sadder it may be.
Our home is strange and wild to you;
   Think what you leave behind,—
Sunshine and home, and, best of all,
   A mother, dear and kind."
But Bessie only frowned and cried,
   "You gave the choice to me.
I'm tired of sun and home and all,
   So a mermaid I will be."