human
These are the singing barnacles. They are really very amusing, and if you listen carefully you can hear what they say.
gpt
What does it all mean?
human
I suppose they refer to the way barnacles have of clinging to ships, replied Merla;
gpt
Do they write comic operas?
human
I think not,
gpt
They seem to like the songs themselves,
human
Oh, yes; they sing all day long. But it never matters to them whether their songs mean anything or not. Let us go in this direction and visit some other sea people.
gpt
It's jus' nonsense! said Trot, scornfully.
human
Why don't they sing 'Annie Laurie,' or 'Home, Sweet Home,' or else keep quiet?
gpt
Why, if they were quiet, replied Merla,
human
Is all quiet?
gpt
Just as usual, your Highness, replied one of the guards.
human
Mummercubble was sick this morning, and grunted dreadfully; but he's better now and has gone to sleep. King Anko has been stirring around some, but is now taking his after-dinner nap. I think it will be perfectly safe for you to swim out for a while, if you wish.
gpt
Who's Mummercubble?
human
He's the sea pig, replied Merla.
gpt
I am glad he is asleep, for now we won't meet him.
human
Don't you like him?
gpt
Oh, he complains so bitterly of everything that he bores us, Merla answered.
human
Mummercubble is never contented or happy for a single minute.
gpt
I've seen people like that, said Cap'n Bill, with a nod of his head;
human
Look out! suddenly cried the mermaid.
gpt
Look out for your fingers! Here are the snapping eels.
human
Who? Where?