Prince Doodle. My kingdom’s in Cockagne, you must have heard

Of Cock-a-doodle-do. (She shakes head.) That noble bird

Was a remote progenitor. Indeed,

Our pedigree, by Darwin, you can read.

Mona. I never learnt to read. Stay! (puts fingers to forehead) on me dawns,

A notion (triumphantly) that’s where people live “en Prince?” (pronounce “on prawns.”)

Prince Doodle. (Aside.) A notion fishy! (Aloud.) No, my dear, on shrimps!

Your friends?—They’re?——

Mona.                  Mermaids.

Prince Doodle.               water-“nimps?”