Page:Merman & mermaid, grand operatic phantasmagoria.djvu/16

 MERMAN AND MERMAID.

Words and Music by

Erwin E. Harder.

Prologue.

The Hurricane — Music — Open sea.

(Ship sinks)

"The Depths of Mystery."

(Ocean's bottom, curious denizens)

OWONDLO.

(Merman) What does this mean? How came I here, In this mysterious sphere? Great God! a sunken ship. Great Lord! that name, Gigantic, Once the largest ship afloat. 'Tis strange, these fish about me, The almighty creator spared my life, Transformed me in the living sea.

I name thee Owondlo, Twice blessed are ye, For I, King Neptune, command the sea, Be brave and seek ye a weapon, For the ocean has enemies That your life will threaten. 'Tis in the depths you are confined, About you lay gardens of the sea. Now farewell, I must be off, As my duties of the sea, Are calling me flee, flee.

Thrice blessed art thou, King Neptune of the sea.