At this the Albatross made an effort to fly away. But a golden rainbow rose from the ocean and encircled him, and he did not know which way to fly.
As the song ended, all the waters around seemed to ripple with joyous laughter. And here and there a little foam-crest appeared, and pearly-white arms robed in a mist of rainbow spray stretched up towards the Albatross. The ocean beneath them seemed to be alive with shadowy forms, and merry little faces smiled up through the veil of emerald water.
It was evident that the head of the foolish bird had been turned by all this praise, for he hovered, hesitating, just above the little white arms. Then he sank lower and lower.
Countless silvery voices repeated the enchanting song. And it seemed to the children that they were being rocked to sleep in a cradle of silver sound.
Kiddiwee and Coppertop were enraptured. And they gazed wonder-eyed at the beautiful sea-maidens.
Lower still drifted the Albatross, and there came a dreamy far-away look into his eyes.
So near the ocean was he now that one of the enchanting sea-maidens leapt out of the foam towards him, and winding her arms round his neck, she pressed her lips to his beak.
Instantly a terrible change too place!
The song of the sea-maidens turned to cruel laughter. The golden tresses of their hair became coarse seaweed. Their eyes glowed with a pale green light, and their lips grew hard and cruel.
The Albatross fell to the water—dead!