The mistral chuckles and has another pull of ale before launching into a ballad:
She met him at the water's edge No thought for the seagull's cry Nor waves that sought her tiny feet Nor the beautiful azure sky.
She shyly met him poorly dressed
With her straight long hair of dull brown No beauty touched her thin pale cheek Yet hungrily he pulled her down.
For love of him she gave her all As he so gladly to her pressed One goal in mind was all he had Twas quick he came to passion's crest.
Once his pleasure was sought and won He swiftly stood and made to go. Her trembling arms begged him to stay, He merely laughed and told her "No".
"Was nothing but a fancy passed, And nothing more, you must see. Perfect beauty is what I want, I find you are too plain for me."
He left her there in crumpled pain. Long in love's agony she lay,
Until the tide came gently in, To silently take her away.
So time did pass as time will do Til came another azure day. The man again stood on the beach His desire barely held at bay.
He waited while the day grew long Until at last with angry cry He cursed and shook a knotted fist At the darkening azure sky.
To the tavern he turned his thoughts But stopped and stood frozen in place. It seemed he heard a lovely song That took him in it's sweet embrace.
A movement in the swelling sea Caused him to doubt his narrowed eyes. Out of the deep and foamy brine An enchanting form did arise.
He caught his breath in lustful joy His chest pained by a heart too fast. The perfect beauty for which he yearned Was there within his reach at last.
She sang to him so soft and sweet, Ivory arms reached out in plea Of nothing else he saw or heard As he blindly stepped into the sea.
Now off the beach and to the East Tis an inlet that hides a cave,
Fiercely guarded by rugged rock And by the awesome pounding wave.
Within this place a mermaid sings And guards a pirate's chest of old. For in this chest her true love lies Lifeless upon a bed of gold.