The Little Mermaid swam close to the cabin windows. As the waves buoyed her up, she could peer in through the clear glass windowpanes and glimpse a number of well-attired people within. Among them was a worthy young prince with keen black eyes. They were commemorating his sixteenth birthday with much rejoicing.
When the prince emerged from the cabin, two hundred rockets raised in the air, making it as incandescent as day. The ship was so brightly lit that the mermaid could distinctly discern all the people.
Having never observed such fireworks before, they so startled the Little Mermaid that she dove under water. When she rose and stretched out her hand again, it seemed like all the celestial lights were falling from the sky.
The young prince appeared strikingly handsome and amiable as he pressed the hands of all present and smiled at them while the music resounded through the clear night air. Although it was late, the Little Mermaid could not take her eyes from the elegant prince. The colored lanterns had been extinguished, no more rockets illuminated the air, and the cannon had ceased firing.
Suddenly the sea became turbulent, and a moaning, grumbling sound could be heard beneath the waves. Jouncing on the unquiet water, the Little Mermaid remained by the cabin window. The sails were hastily unfurled and the ship continued her passage, but soon the waves rose higher. Forebodingly, heavy clouds darkened the sky and lightning flashed in the distance.
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