I saw the pretty girl he loves better than me.''

我看到他爱那个漂亮女孩胜过爱我。”

And the mermaid heaved a bitter sigh, for she could not weep.

美人鱼发出了痛苦的叹息，因为她无法哭泣。

''The girl belongs to the holy Temple, he has said;

他说：“女孩属于圣殿。

she will never return to the world, they will never meet again.

她永远不会重返世界，他们将再也不会相遇。

I am here with him; I see him every day. Yes! I will tend him, love him, and give up my life to him.''

我一直在这陪伴他，我每一天看着他。是！我会照顾他，爱他，不惜把生命献给他。”

But now the rumour ran that the prince was to be married to the beautiful daughter of a neighbouring king,

但是现在有传言说，王子将要娶一位邻国国王的漂亮女儿，

and for that reason was fitting out a splendid ship.

一艘大船整装待发。

It was given out that the prince was going on a voyage to see the adjoining countries, but it was without doubt to see the king's daughter;

王子确实要去探望毗邻的国家，毫无疑问地会看到国王的女儿。

he was to have a great suite with him.

他邀请小美人鱼一同前往。

But the little mermaid shook her head and laughed;

但是小美人鱼摇了摇头，笑了起来。

she knew the prince's intentions much better than any of the others.

她知道王子的意图是好的。

''I must take this voyage,'' he had said to her;

他对她说：“我必须参与这次航行。”

''I must go and see the beautiful princess; my parents demand that, but they will never force me to bring her home as my bride;

“我必须去看看美丽的公主。我的父母要求我这样做，但他们绝不强迫我以她的新娘的身份带她回家；