BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 



THERE was once a merchant who had Been very rich at one 
time, but who, having had heavy -.losses, was compelled to 
retire to a little cottage in the country; where he lived with his 
three daughters. The two elder ones w^ere very much discontented 
at their poverty, and were always grumbling and making com- 
plaints. But the youngest one, who was called Beauty, and who 
was as amiable as she was handsome, tried all she could to comfort 
her father and make his home happy. 

Once, when he was going on a journey to try and mend his affairs, 
he called them around him, and asked them what he should bring 
them when he returned. The two eMer ones wanted each a num- 
ber of nice presents ; but Beauty, kissing him sweetly, said she 
would be content with a rose. So when the merchant was on his 
way back, he came to an elegant garden, of which the gate stood 
open ; and thinking of Beauty's rose, he went in, and plucking a 
beautiful one, prepared to proceed on his journey. 

As he turned to go, he saw a hideous Beast coming towards him, 
armed with a sword ! This terrible creature reproached him fyr 
stealing his flowers, of which he was very choice; and threatened 
to kill him on. the spot ! The merchant begged for his life, and 
said, that he had only taken "a sinsrle one to please his daughter 

Beauty/' On this, the beast said gruffly, " well, I will let you off, 
if you will bring one of your daughters here in your place. .But 
she must come here willingly, and meanwhile you may stay and 
rest in my palace until to-morrow.*' But, as you may well believe, 
the poor father did not feel much like eating or sleeping ; although 
everything was done for his comfort, and, in the morning, the 
Beast sent him h jme upon a beautiful horse. But though the birds 
sang around him, and the sun shone brightly, and all nature was 
smiling on his path, the heart of the poor merchant was heavy, 
when he thought of his beloved daughters. 

When he came near his home, his children came forth to meet 
him ; but, seeing the sadness of his face, and his eyes filled with 
tears, they asked him the cause of his trouble. Giving the rose to 
Beauty, he told her all. The two elder sisters laid all the blame 
upon Beauty; who cried bitterly, and said that as she was the cause 
of her father's misfortune, she alone must suffer for it, and was quite 
willing to go. So Beauty got ready for the journey at once. The 
father (who meant to return to the Beast himself, after embracing 
his children) tried to dissuade her, but in vain ; and so the two set 
out together for the Beast's palace, much to the secret joy of the 
envious sisters. 

When they arrived at the palace, the doors opened of themselves, 
sweet music was heard, and they found an elegant supper prepared. 
As soon as they had refreshed themselves, the Beast entered, and 
said in a mild tone, " Beauty, did you come here willingly to take 
the place of your father?" " Yes, sir," she answered in a sweet 
but trembling voice.