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and nations. The images and inscriptions of all the kings that ever reigned were there; and the merman said—

“‘This is my second daughter’s dowry.’

“‘Good luck attend her!’ said Civil. ‘It is a dowry for a princess.’

“‘So you may say,’ replied the merman. ‘But make up your mind which of the maidens you will marry, for the third has no portion at all, because she is not my daughter; but only, as you may see, a poor silly girl taken into my family for charity.’

“‘Truly, my lord,’ said Civil, whose mind was already made up, ‘both your daughters are too rich and far too noble for me; therefore I chose the third. Her poverty will best become my estate of a poor fisherman.’

“‘If you choose her,’ said the merman, ‘you must wait long for a wedding. I cannot allow an inferior girl to be married before my own daughters.’ And he said a great deal more to persuade him; but Civil would not change his mind, and they returned to the hall.

“There was no more attention for the fisherman, but everybody watched him well. Turn where he would, master or guest had their eyes upon him, though he made them the best speeches he could remember, and praised all their splendours. One