Beauty and the Beast
Transcript: Molly Fritz, Brad Manning, & Tristan Trussell A merchant, who by generous pains Prospered in honourable gains, three manly sons, three daughters fair His latest-born surpass'd the rest, The neighbours call'd her little beauty A letter came; its purporse good; Part of his ventures brav'd the flood: "With speed," said he, "I must to town, "And what,my girls, must I bring down?" The envious Sisters, all confusion, Commissions gave in wild profusion; Caps, hats, and bonnets, bracelets, broaches. Sudden as winds that madd'ning sweep The foaming surface of the deep, Vast treasures, trusted to the wave, Were buried in the billowy grave! Our Merchant, late of boundless store, Saw Famine hasting to his door. So the Sisters; as before 'Twas rich and idle, now 'twas poor. In shabby finery array'd, They still affected a parade: While both insulted gentle BEAUTY, Unwearied in the housewife's duty Such wants and wishes now appear'd, To make them larger BEAUTY fear'd; Yet lest her silence might produce From jealous Sisters more abuse, Considerately good, she chose, The emblem of herself,--a ROSE. To our Merchant's glad surprise, When a rich palace seem'd to rise As on he mov'd! The knee he bent, Thankful to Heaven; then nearer went The Merchant to the fire drew near, Deeming the owner would appear, And pardon one who, drench'd in rain, Unask'd, had ventur'd to remain A shower of ROSES strew'd the way, E'en to his hand the branches bent: "One of those boughs--I go content! "BEAUTY, dear BEAUTY--thy request "If I may bear away, I'm blest." The Merchant pull'd--the branches broke!-- A hideous growling while he spoke, Assail'd his startled ears; and then A frightful BEAST, as from a den, "My Lord, I swear upon my knees, "I did not mean to harm your trees; "But a lov'd Daughter, fair as spring, "Intreated me a ROSE to bring; "O didst thou know, my Lord, the Maid!" "I am no Lord," BEAST angry said, "And so no flattery!--but know, "If, on your oath before you go, "Within three wasted Moons, you here "Cause that lov'd Daughter to appear, "And visit BEAST a volunteer "To suffer for thee, thou mayest live:-- "Speak not!--do this!--and I forgive." Mute and deprest the Merchant fled, Unhappy traveller, evil sped! The merchant told the tale of BEAST; And loud lamentings, when he ceas'd, "Die! not for worlds!" exclaim'd the Maid; "BEAST kindly will take me instead: "And O, a thousand deaths I'd prove "To show my father how I love!" Three months elaps'd, her Father's heart Heav'd high, as she prepar'd to part, The Sisters try'd a tear to force, While BEAUTY smil'd as she took horse; Just as she spoke, a hideous noise Announc'd the growling monster's voice. And now BEAST suddenly stalk'd forth, While BEAUTY wellnigh sank to earth: She now survey'd th' enchanting scene, Sweet gardens of eternal green; Mirrors, and chandeliers of glass, And diamonds bright which those surpass; BEAUTY had scarce her wish express'd, When it was granted by the BEAST: A wond'rous mirror to her eye, Brought all her cottage family. At noon's repast, she heard a sound Breathing unseen sweet music round; But when the evening board was spread, The voice of BEAST recall'd her dread: "May I observe you sup?" he said. She found that Monster, timid, mild, Led like the lion by the child. Custom and kindness banish'd fear; BEAUTY oft wish'd that BEAST were near. BEAUTY the Father now address'd, And strait to see her Sisters press'd. They both were married, and both prov'd Neither was happy or belov'd. BEAUTY had scarce pronounc'd the word, When magic sounds of sweet accord, The music of celestial spheres, As if from seraph harps she hears! Amaz'd she stood,--new wonders grew; For BEAST now vanish'd from her view; And, lo! a PRINCE, with every grace Of figure, fashion, feature, face, In whom all charms of Nature meet, Was kneeling at fair BEAUTY's feet. "But where is BEAST?" still BEAUTY cried: "Behold him here," the PRINCE replied. "Orasmyn, lady, is my name, "In Persia not unknown to fame; "Till this re-humanising hour, "The victim of a Fairy's pow'r;-- "Till a deliverer could be found, "Who, while the accursed spell still bound, Beauty and the Beast "Swear not to leave me!" sigh'd the BEAST: "I swear"--for now her fears were ceas'd, "And willingly swear,--so now and then "I might my Father see again-- "One little WEEK--he's now alone." "Granted!" quoth BEAST: "your will be done!"