Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast, by
Unknown

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Title: Beauty and the Beast
Author: Unknown
Release Date: November 3, 2007 [EBook #23311]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ASCII
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Beauty and the Beast.

Peter G. Thomson Cincinnati, O.

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 were very much discontented at their poverty, and were always
grumbling and making complaints. 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 elder ones wanted each a number 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.
[Illustration: The Merchant and the Beast.]
As he turned to go, he saw a hideous Beast coming towards him, armed
with a sword! This terrible creature reproached him for 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 single 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 home 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. "So
much the better for you," replied the Beast. "Your father can stay here
to-night, but he must go home in the morning." The Beast then retired,
giving Beauty so kind a look as he went out, that she felt quite
encouraged. The next morning, when her father left her, she cheered his
heart by telling him that she thought she could soften the Beast's heart,
and induce him to spare her life. After he was gone, she entered an
elegant room, on the door of which was written, in letters of gold,
"Beauty's room."
Lying on the table was a portrait of herself, set in gold and diamonds,
and on the wall,