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. 



