"Please," begged the little mermaid, "you must help me find a way to become human. How else can I win the prince's heart?"
The merwoman pulled a book of ancient recipes off the shelf. "I can brew a draught for you, although it would be foolish of you to drink it. It rids you of your fish tail, and instead gives you legs. You would be very graceful, but you would feel as though you were treading on sharp knives with every step."
"I'll drink it," said the mermaid, because she loved the prince very much, although in truth she was frightened.
"As you like," replied the old merwoman. "But remember, if the prince gives his heart to another, you will dissolve and become no more than roam on the crest of waves."