有声英语儿童童话故事 海的女儿 第38章

When it grew dark, a number ofcolored lamps were lighted and the sailors danced merrily on the deck. Thelittle mermaid could not help thinking of her first rising out of the sea, whenshe had seen similar joyful festivities, so she too joined in the dance, poisedherself in the air as a swallow when he pursues his prey, and all presentcheered her wonderingly. She had never danced so gracefully before. Her tenderfeet felt as if cut with sharp knives, but she cared not for the pain; asharper pang had pierced her heart.

She knew this was the lastevening she should ever see the prince for whom she had forsaken her kindredand her home. She had given up her beautiful voice and suffered unheard-of paindaily for him, while he knew nothing of it. This was the last evening that sheshould breathe the same air with him or gaze on the starry sky and the deepsea. An eternal night, without a thought or a dream, awaited her. She had nosoul, and now could never win one.