Fairytales of Famous Authors Compared to Disney Cartoons with proper respect etc

Beauty and The Beast Original Tale Madame LePrince Beaumont (Published in 1740)

Story 13: Beauty and the Beast by Madame LePrince de Beaumont. (Published in 1740, people).
A rich merchant in a far-off land had for many years been lucky in all his undertakings. His three daughters danced in jewelled ballgowns and his three sons rode Arabian steeds that moved like the wind.
     Then one day for no reason the merchant suddenly lost everything. His home caught fire and burned to the ground, and all his ships at sea were sunk or plundered by pirates. Only a small country cottage remained to him, and the merchant was forced to move there with his children. The two older daughters grumbled continuously, regretting the lost amusements of their past. But the youngest, who was called Beauty, tried her best to comfort her father and brothers.
     After many months the merchant got news that one of his ships, which he believed was lost, had come safely into port. His children came to see him off on his journey to the harbor town, naming presents he must buy them But Beauty did not ask for anything. When her Father pressed her, she said she only wished for his safe return. "But surely, Beauty, there is some treasure I may bring you."
    "If you see a rose along the way, you might pick it for me." she answered, "It's my favorite flower and it does not grow near here."
     Then the merchant set out and reached the town. He soon discovered that his companions, believing he was dead, had divided all the goods between them. Thus, he was forced to return home poorer even than when he had started.
      The way led through a deep forest, and it was snowing so bitterly that his horse could hardly carry him farther. Just when the merchant was about to give up hope, he saw a track that opened up into an avenue lined with orange trees. To his surprise no snow had fallen there and the air smelled sweet and warm.
     Soon the merchant came to a courtyard and then he was inside a vast castle. He passed through many splendid rooms but no one answered when he called out. The place seemed entirely empty and a deep silence was everywhere. At last he saw a small sitting room where a cheerful fire was blazing.  A table was set with all manner of wines and meats, and the merchant was very hungry, he lost no time in beginning the meal.  Afterward he looked again for his host to thank him but, finding no one, he lay down upon a couch before the fire and fell fast asleep.

     When he awoke he was refreshed and ready to hid journey. Just as he was passing out of the courtyard, he saw a hedge of roses. Remembering Beauty's request, he stopped and gathered one to bring her. But bo sooner had he done so than a hideous beast appeared. His face was so ugly that the man could not bear to look at it.

The beast spoke in a terrible voice. "So this, then, is how you show your gratitude? Was it not enough that I allowed you in my castle and was kind to you?"
The merchant fell to his knees. "Oh, please, noble beast, do not take my life. I only picked the rose for my daughter, Beauty, who begged me to get her one."
      On hearing this, the beast said gruffly, "I will forgive you only if you send one of your daughters to die in your stead. She must come willingly or else I will not have her. Now you may stay and rest in my castle until tomorrow."

     Although the merchant found an excellent supper laid for him, he could not eat; nor could he sleep, although everything had been provided for his comfort. The next morning he set out on a fine horse that the beast had left him.
     When he came near his house his children came out to greet him. But seeing the sadness in his face and eyes filled with tears, they asked what was the matter. He gave Beauty the rose and told her all that had happened. At once the two older sisters turned on Beauty. "It is your fault," they told her. "A Rose Indeed!"
     "I'll shall go, Father," Beauty said. "We will keep his promise to the beast.
Her Father and brothers, who loved her, begged Beauty to change her mind, but nothing would sway her. Go she must, and so they set out the very next morning, riding together on the beast's horse. When they reached the avenue of orange trees, the statues were holding flaming torches and fireworks flared in the sky. The palace gates opened of themselves and Beauty and her Father walked into a room where a delicious meal awaited them.
       Hardly had they finished eating when they heard the beast's footstep's echoing on the marble floor. Beauty clung to her Father in terror, but the beast spoke to them in a mild tone and inquired about their journey. "Have you come here willingly, Beauty, to die in the place of your Father?" he said at last.

"Yes, willingly, and I know that I must stay," she said, looking at her face and trying to keep her voice from trembling.
"That is good," the beast answered. "Your Father may spend the night, but must go home in the morning." He bowed and took his leave of them.
   Beauty tried to comfort her Father when they parted by saying that the Beast did not seem very cruel. Perhaps he would relent and one day allow her to return home.
     She watched him ride off and then walked up a curving stairway into a room with mirrors all around. On the door was written in golden letters. "Beauty's room," and in the mornings a clock awakened her by calling her name softly twelve times. She was alone all day, but when she was having her supper the beast would draw the curtains and come in. He spoke to her so pleasantly that she soon lost much of her fear of him.
     Each night just before he left, he turned toward her said, "Am I very ugly?"
     "Yes," replied Beauty, "But you are so kind to me that I no longer mind."
       "Will you marry me then?" he asked.
       "Pray do not ask me," said Beauty.
       "Since you will not, then good night, Beauty." And the beast would go away.

Part 2: Will be next chapter. Surprised?! Not what it was you thought it was, my Sweet Skylight friends?"