海的女儿（节选）

"I know what you are asking for," said the witch of the sea. "After the sun comes out , I can't help you. I just have to wait a year to say it. I can take a medicine for you. You take this medicine and hurry to the land before the sun comes out. You are sitting on the beach . Eat this medicine, so your tail can be divided in two halves , shrinking into the so-called beautiful legs of human beings. But this is very painful -- it is like a sharp knife cutting into your body. Anyone who sees you will definitely say that you are the most beautiful child they have ever seen!"

"I can stand it," said the little mermaid in a trembling voice. Then she remembered the prince and her desire to win an inexhaustible soul.