Beauty and the Beast | Page 4

live, so can only lose a few years, which I regret for your sakes
alone, my dear children." "Indeed, father (said Beauty), you shall not
go to the palace without me, you cannot hinder me from following
you." It was to no purpose all they could say, Beauty still insisted on
setting out for the fine palace; and her sisters were delighted at it, for
her virtue and amiable qualities made them envious and jealous.
[Illustration: Beauty Delivered up to the Beast]
The merchant was so afflicted at the thoughts of losing his daughter,
that he had quite forgot the chest full of gold; but at night, when he
retired to rest, no sooner had he shut his chamber-door, than, to his
great astonishment, he found it by his bedside; he was determined,
however, not to tell his children that he was grown rich, because they
would have wanted to return to town, and he was resolved not to leave
the country; but he trusted Beauty with the secret: who informed him,
that two gentlemen came in his absence, and courted her sisters; she
begged her father to consent to their marriage, and give them fortunes;
for she was so good, that she loved them, and forgave them heartily all
their ill-usage. These wicked creatures rubbed their eyes with an onion,
to force some tears when they parted with their sister; but her brothers
were really concerned. Beauty was the only one who did not shed tears
at parting, because she would not increase their uneasiness.
The horse took the direct road to the palace; and towards evening they
perceived it illuminated as at first: the horse went of himself into the
stable, and the good man and his daughter came into the great hall,
where they found a table splendidly served up, and two covers. The
merchant had no heart to eat; but Beauty endeavoured to appear
cheerful, sat down to table, and helped him. Afterwards, thought she to
herself, "Beast surely has a mind to fatten me before he eats me, since
he provides such a plentiful entertainment." When they had supped,
they heard a great noise, and the merchant, all in tears, bid his poor
child farewell, for he thought Beast was coming. Beauty was sadly

terrified at his horrid form, but she took courage as well as she could,
and the monster having asked her if she came willingly; "y--e--s," said
she, trembling. "You are very good, and I am greatly obliged to you;
honest man, go your ways tomorrow morning, but never think of
returning here again. Farewell, Beauty." "Farewell, Beast," answered
she; and immediately the monster withdrew. "Oh, daughter, (said the
merchant, embracing Beauty,) I am almost frightened to death; believe
me, you had better go back, and let me stay here." "No, father, (said
Beauty, in a resolute tone,) you shall set out tomorrow morning, and
leave me to the care and protection of Providence." They went to bed,
and thought they should not close their eyes all night; but scarce were
they laid down, than they fell fast asleep; and Beauty dreamed, a fine
lady came, and said to her, "I am content, Beauty, with your good will;
this good action of yours, in giving up your own life to save your
father's, shall not go unrewarded." Beauty waked, and told her father
her dream, and though it helped to comfort him a little, yet he could not
help crying bitterly, when he took leave of his dear child.
As soon as he was gone, Beauty sat down in the great hall, and fell a
crying likewise; but as she was mistress of a great deal of resolution,
she recommended herself to God, and resolved not to be uneasy the
little time she had to live; for she firmly believed Beast would eat her
up that night.
However, she thought she might as well walk about till then, and view
this fine castle, which she could not help admiring; it was a delightful
pleasant place, and she was extremely surprised at seeing a door, over
which was wrote, "BEAUTY'S APARTMENT." She opened it hastily,
and was quite dazzled with the magnificence that reigned throughout;
but what chiefly took up her attention, was a large library, a
harpsichord, and several music books. "Well, (said she to herself,) I see
they will not let my time hang heavy on my hands for want of
amusement." Then she reflected, "Were I but to stay here a day, there
would not have been all these preparations." This consideration
inspired her with fresh courage; and opening the library, she took a
book, and read these words in letters of gold:--
/* "Welcome, Beauty, banish fear, You are queen and mistress here;
Speak your wishes, speak your will, Swift