“Where am I?” she asked. Her voice sounded supernal as the voices of those which were with her. No earthly music could imitate it.
Among the daughters of the air, one responded. “No mermaid has an immortal soul, and they cannot obtain one unless she wins the love of a human being. On the curative powers of another hinges her eternal destiny. In contrast, the daughters of the air can procure an immortal soul for themselves by her altruistic deeds. After we have striven for three hundred years to accomplish all the good in our power, we receive an immortal soul and share in the joy of mankind.”
“Poor Little Mermaid. You have resolutely tried to act unselfishly. As you have suffered and endured, you have elevated you to the spirit world by noble deeds. Now, by striving assiduously for three hundred years, you may gain an immortal soul.”
Indebted to the airy beings, the Little Mermaids eyes lifted toward the sun and felt them filling with tears for the first time.
On the ship she left the prince, life and activity continued. She noticed the prince and his winsome bride searching for her. They gazed somberly at the pearly foam like they knew she had thrown herself into the waves.
Tenderly, the Little Mermaid kissed the forehead of the bride and fanned the prince. With a light heart she was the joyously lead the other children of the air to a rosy cloud that floated through the ether.
“After three hundred years,” contentedly thought the Little Mermaid, “we shall mount into the kingdom of Heaven.”
The End
Comments