Since once I sat upon a promontory, And heard a mermaid on a dolphins back Uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath, That the rude sea grew civil at her song: And certain stars shot madly from their spheres, To hear the sea-maids music. Midsummer Nights Dream. Act II. Sc. 1. L. 149.
Who would be A mermaid fair, Singing alone, Combing her hair Under the sea, In a golden curl With a comb of pearl, On a throne? I would be a mermaid fair; I would sing to myself the whole of the day; With a comb of pearl I would comb my hair; And still as I comb I would sing and say, Who is it loves me? who loves not me? TennysonThe Mermaid.
Slow saild the weary mariners and saw, Betwixt the green brink and the running foam, Sweet faces, rounded arms, and bosoms prest To little harps of gold; and while they mused Whispering to each other half in fear, Shrill music reachd them on the middle sea. TennysonThe Sea Fairies.