Folding book containing poetry and prosody (chanlaksana); held at the Bavarian State Library, Munich (Cod.siam. 98)
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The mermaid, who was not averse to his overtures but realised the incongruity of the position, said: “You are human, and you live on land. I am a fish, and my home is the sea. We are very different from one another. How can we love each other? It is not possible. You would merely debase your dignity by deigning to love me. Let me be but your servant.” “No,” replied Phra Abhai Mani, “love is common to all living creatures, be they men, animals or fish. It is for each to place his love where he will. Although we are of different races and species, it is evident that we were destined to belong to each other, for how else could we have come here together in safety. So do not say that you will be my servant. I have no wish to be your master. I want to be your lover.” The mermaid needed no further convincing. And there on the beach, in the light of the full moon, she and Phra Abhai Mani found the happiness which had been ordained for them by a strange but inevitable destiny. The union of Phra Abhai Mani and the mermaid was a happy one. They never let the difference of race and species come between them, but shared to the full their beautiful and idyllic love. The Story of Phra Abhai Mani by Sunthorn Phu Translated by Prince Prem Burachat