246 8ALMONIA. 



this singular phenomenon had appeared. 

 She had noted down, not merely the day, 

 but the hour and minute, and produced a 

 map of the place. Our bather referred to 

 his journal, and showed that a human ani- 

 mal was swimming in the very spot at that 

 very time, who had some of the characters 

 ascribed to the mermaid, but who laid no 

 claim to others, particularly the green hair 

 and fishes 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 

 necessarily 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 



