There was no need to go into TREMENDOUS detail about that, really. Jack continued:

"Once we reached the Fountain, the profane ritual had to be performed. The mermaid's tear was to be mixed with the water and drunk by one who would have long life ahead. However, there was a catch---there always is. When is there not? Another had to drink from a special chalice, and his years would be given to the one who'd drunk the tear. Then he would die, while the other stole his life away."