The Beast's Bargain
The merchant fell on his knees to the Beast, and, clasping his hands, said, "My lord, I humbly entreat your pardon: I did not think it could offend you to gather a rose for one of my daughters, who desired to have one." "I am not a lord, but a Beast," replied the monster; "I do not like compliments, but that people should say what they think: so do not imagine you can move me by your flattery. You say, however, that you have daughters; I will therefore pardon you, on condition that one of them shall come hither and die in your stead: do not attempt to argue with me, but go; and if your daughters should refuse, swear to me that you will return in three months." The merchant acceded. "But," added the Beast, "it is my will that you go not empty away: in the chamber where you slept, you will find an old empty chest — fill it with whatever valuables you choose, and I will get it conveyed to your cottage." The Beast retired, and left the merchant to ruminate: — "If I must die, I may as well leave my children some provision." Accordingly, he loaded the chest with gold. Mounting his horse, he left the palace of enchantment with no less grief than he entered it with joy.
The horse of itself took a path across the forest, and in a few hours they reached the merchant's house. His children gathered round him, as he dismounted from his horse; but the merchant, instead of embracing them with joy, could not, as he looked at them, refrain from weeping. He held in his hand the bunch of roses, which he gave to Beauty, saying, "Take these roses, Beauty: but little do you think how dear they have cost your unhappy father;" and then gave an account of all that happened in the palace of the Beast. "Well, father," said Beauty, "as the Beast will accept either you or one of your daughters, I will give myself up to his fury, as it is on my account you have been involved in this trouble." The merchant in vain endeavoured to reason with Beauty, for she was determined to go; at which the elder sisters, who were jealous of her amiable qualities, secretly rejoiced.
The affliction of the merchant was so great, that he forgot the promised treasure; but on retiring to rest, discovered the chest of gold by his bed-side: he, however, withheld the secret from his eldest daughters, imparting it only to Beauty.
When the three months were expired, the merchant and Beauty set out for the palace of the Beast; upon which occasion the two sisters rubbed their eyes with an onion, to appear as if they shed a great many tears; but both the merchant and his sons shed them in reality.
They reached the palace in a few hours, and entering an apartment, found a sumptuous feast prepared, of which they readily partook. Beauty was timorous; but a rectitude of conduct gave her courage.