MERMAID. 285 



ascribed to the mermaid, but who laid no 

 claim to others, particularly the green hair 

 and fish's tail ; but being rather sallow in the 

 face, was glad to have such testimony to the 

 colour of his body beneath his garments. 



PoiET. — But I do not understand upon 

 what philosophical principles you deny the 

 existence of the mermaid. We are not ne- 

 cessarily acquainted with all the animals that 

 inhabit the bottom of the sea ; and I cannot 

 help thinking there must have been some 

 foundation for the fable of the Tritons and 

 Nereids. 



Hal. — Ay ; and of the ocean divinities^, 

 Neptune and Amphitrite! 



PoiET. — Now I think you are prejudiced, 



Hal. — I remember the worthy baronet, 

 whom I just now mentioned, on some one 

 praising the late Sir Joseph Banks very highly, 

 said, " Sir Joseph was an excellent man — 

 but he had his prejudices." — " What were 

 they?" said my friend. — "Why, he did 

 not believe in the mermaid." Pray still con- 

 sider me as the baronet did Sir Joseph — 

 prejudiced on this subject. 



