Second Fish. Go at once and bring him back with you. [Little Fish goes out.]
First Fish. He won’t be gone long. No one swims faster than our little fish.
Third Fish. Here he comes back already, and the turtle is with him.
All the Fish. Good, good. [Turtle and Little Fish enter.]
First Fish. O Turtle, have you heard that our sea queen is about to die?
Turtle. I know that she is very ill.
Second Fish. Can you not help us to save her? You are wise, Turtle. It’s because you don’t stay down in the sea, but go upon the land, that you learn about so many things. What will cure our queen?
Turtle. [Slowly.] Yes, I do learn a great many things on the land. Let me think—I am thinking—yes—I believe—yes—I know, I’m sure I know just what will save her life. I have it—a monkey’s heart—the very thing! I heard about it one day as I was resting upon the shore. A monkey’s heart can cure anything!
All the Fish. Wonderful!
Little Fish. Will you go and get one? O Turtle, you know we would go if we could leave our homes as you can. You will go, won’t you?