English - Beauty and The Beast
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EnglishVoice Age
Middle Aged (35-54)Accents
North American (General)Transcript
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Beauty and the Beast. Once upon a time there was a rich merchant who had three sons and three daughters, and he gave them the best that money could buy. All the girls were pretty, and the youngest was the prettiest of all. When she was a baby, her family gave her the nickname, Little Beauty As she grew older. This was shortened to Beauty. Beauty was not only the prettiest of the three sisters, she was also kind and thoughtful. The older sisters liked to mingle with the rich and famous, dancing at the grandest balls, sitting in the most expensive seats at the theater, and strolling with the high and mighty in the park. Beauty preferred to stay at home with a good book. Rich businessmen were always proposing marriage to the sisters, but the two older ones said they would only marry a prince or a duke. Beauty always thanked everyone politely for their proposals, but said she was too young and wished to stay with her father a little while longer. Then, on one dreadful day the merchants business collapsed, and he lost everything. No money was left. All he had now was a small house far away in the countryside. He tearfully told his family that there was nothing else to do but go and dig the land and grow their own food. The two elder sisters announced they would not leave the big city, but would accept one of their marriage proposals. But now the sisters were no longer rich. None of their former suitors would even look at them all. The folk in the city who had been upset by the older sisters snotty ways said, Let them go and be high and mighty among the sheep and pigs, but there was sympathy for kind, gentle beauty. All the rich men who had asked her to marry them, proposed again, but she told them she could not possibly leave her father and his misfortune. She must work beside him in the countryside and comfort him in his had nous. When they arrived at their new home, the merchant and his son set to work on the land, and beauty cooked and baked and cleaned, and did all she could to help. At first she was exhausted by all this work, but gradually she grew stronger, and the fresh country air made her feel healthier than ever before. She still missed the nice things that money had bought her, but she told herself crying, won't do any good. I shall try to be happy without a penny. Her two sisters were quite the opposite. They crawled out of bed at noon, and spent their days mourning about the loss of their fancy city life and grand friends. They didn't lift a finger to help Beauty, but teased her instead for becoming such a housemaid. The family lived in this way for almost a year, and then the merchant received news that a ship carrying valuable goods of his that he had believed lost in a storm had finally arrived safe import. The good news immediately prompted the eldest girls to demand presence, and asked their father to bring back their new dresses and hats, and all sorts of jewelry. You haven't asked me to bring you anything, Beauty! Said her father. Now Beauty! Thought her father couldn't possibly sell his cargo for enough money to buy even half the presents her sisters wanted. So, she said, just bring yourself back home, safe and sound, and if you should see a rose, bring me a rose to remind me of the summer. So the merchants set off, but when he came to the ports he found that his precious cargo had already been distributed amongst his creditors to pay off his debts. After a great deal of argument he had to start the long journey home just as poor as when he set out. When he was about an hour away from home he was caught in a fierce snowstorm. Twice he was blown from his horse, and as night closed in, and wolves began hauling all around, both horse and rider became hopelessly lost in a great wood. The merchant began to lose hope of ever seeing his family again, and then he saw a light as he went towards it he saw it shone from the windows of a magnificent palace. To his surprise he found the palace gates open, and the courtyard empty. His wary horse saw the stable door stood ajar, and going inside began to munch the oats and hay, which looked as though they had been especially provided for him. After seeing his horse was fed and comfortable with the lush bed of straw, the merchant entered the palace. The massive door swung open at the touch to reveal the great hall, a roaring fire and a long table bearing a feast of delicious things to eat. There was one place setting Sitting in one chair, but still no one to be seen. The merchants stood dripping wet and steaming before the fire. Surely the master of such a splendid place will forgive me for seeking warmth and shelter from the storm. He waited and waited, warming his front and his rear, but still no one, not even a servant appeared. The clock struck 11, and the merchant edged closer to the table. The smell of food making his empty stomach grown. He picked up a roast leg of chicken and looked around, hoping to see someone so that he might say please. But still there was no one. The chicken leg tasted so good that he couldn't resist eating the whole bird, and washed it down with a glass of wine. Still no sign of anyone, even if the master is away, there must be servants somewhere, he thought, and wandered from the great hall into a deer adjoining rooms. Hello! He called anyone home! All of the magnificent rooms were deserted. At the top of a wide staircase. He came to a room with a bed. The covers turned back and with large inviting pillows. He heard the clock strike midnight, and, exhausted. He laid down to sleep. When he walked the next morning he was amazed to find a new set of clothes laid out for him. Oh, thank you, Thank you whoever you are! Cried the merchant. From the window he saw no sign of snow, only Parkland full of flowers. When he had dressed in his smart new outfit he went down to the great hall, expecting to meet his generous host at last. Still there was no one to be seen, but on a table near the fire was a pot of hot chocolate and fresh pastries. Surely this palace must belong to a kind fairy who has taken pity on me! He thought. Thank you! Kind fairy! He said out loud. Thank you for everything. He finished off his breakfast, and went to the stable for his horse. He passed by a rose tree, and remembered his promise to beauty. He reached up and picked a small bunch of flowers immediately. There was a terrible roaring, and suddenly before him appeared a beast so terrifying that the merchant fell to his knees in fright! Is this how you repay my kindness? Boom! The Beast! I saved your life, gave you the freedom of my home, and now you repay me by stealing what I love most in the world! My roses! Ungrateful! Wretch! You shall die! The merchant threw himself flat on the ground before the beast. forgive me. My Lord forgive me! I picked them for one of my daughters who desired a rose above. Any other gift! Don't call me Lord Groll, the Beast. I am a beast and flattery will get you nowhere. You say you have a daughter who loves roses. I would like to spare your life, but only on one condition that this daughter comes here to die in your place. No, not my daughter! Exclaimed the merchant. Don't argue with me, said the Beast. Go before I change my mind. If your daughter refuses to die for you swear you will return here in three months time. The merchant had no intention of allowing his beautiful daughter to fall into the clutches of such a frightening creature. But he promised to return at least he would have some time to hold his family in his arms once more. Then the beasts angry expression softened. I won't allow a guest of mine to leave empty handed! He said, next to the bed, where you slapped. You will find an empty chest, fill it with whatever pleases you, and it will be delivered to your home. Then the Beast departed, and the merchant returned to the bedroom, telling himself that although he was to die at least his beloved Children would not starve, he found the empty chest, and beside it was a great heap of golden coins. The golden coins filled the chest to the brim exactly. He let his horse find its own way home. Through his tears, he saw his sons and daughters running to greet him. The beast had allowed him to keep beauties roses, and when he gave them to her and spoke of the terrible price he would have to pay. The elder sisters cried floods of tears and said, it was all beauties fought. Why couldn't she have asked for pretty dresses like we did? Oh, no! She had to be different. And now she's got daddy into this awful trouble. And she's not even sorry crying won't help, said Beauty. And if the beast will take me instead of a father, I shall willingly go. Never cried her Three brothers, We will find this creature and kill him. I doubt that is possible! Said their father. The Beast is not only big and terrifying, but I'm sure he has special powers. Beauty. I will never allow you to sacrifice yourself for me. I am old and I have lived my life. My only regret will be living you, my dears. I won't let you go by yourself, said Beauty. And you can't stop me following you. Beauty was determined, and nothing would dissuade her. I am young, but I wouldn't want to live the rest of my life like knowing I had caused the death of my father. When the dreaded day came the two elder sisters rubbed their eyes with onions, to make a few tears when they said goodbye to Beauty. The three brothers wept with open hearts. Beauty remained calm, so that she wouldn't make them feel worse. They arrived at the palace as night fell, and the merchants saw the same guiding light through the trees. Once again the horse settled down in the stable, and the merchant led his daughter to the great hall. They found the same table spread with fine food. But this time two places were set. Not one, neither father nor daughter had any appetite. But Beauty thought it might anger the Beast if they declined the food entirely, and served first her father, and then herself. She thought perhaps the Beast provided such a spread, because he wants to fatten me up before he eats me! Then they heard a heavy thread thread, and the creaking upstairs. Beauty shattered when she saw the beast when he asked her if she had come of her own free will, she answered. Yes, in what she hoped was a brave, steady voice, although her blood froze and her whole body trembled. The beast bowed his head slightly. I am very touched, he said, and turning to the merchant added, And you, dear sir, must leave tomorrow, and never come back Good night, Beauty with another bow to both of them. He was gone. The merchant hugged his daughter. Leave me. Here, he played! He pleaded. I am half dead with terror already! Leave me, and save yourself no father insisted Beauty. You will go home tomorrow morning, and heaven will protect me! Then they went to bed, and although both feared they would not sleep a wink, as soon as their heads touched the pillows, their eyes closed. Beauty dreamed of a beautiful lady who said your bravery has pleased me, Beauty! You will be rewarded. In the morning she told her father of her dream, and it cheered him slightly as his horse carried him sadly home. Beauty feared for the whole day that the beast would eat her up that evening, determined not to spend her last hours on earth mopping and feeling sorry for herself, she began to explore the palace. Every room was grand and beautiful, and then she came to a door marked Beauty's room. When she entered the splendor took her breath away. Around three of the walls were big bookcases, and in front of high windows overlooking the park stood a golden harp and many volumes of music. Why would the Beast prepare such a wonderful room, with so many books and so much music for someone he plans to eat this evening! She wondered herself. She took a book from a bookcase and gasped at the title on the cover, written in gold letters, where the words Beauty ask for whatever you wish. Here you are, mistress of everything. All I want is to see my father and family again. She thought sadly. Suddenly reflected in the glass door of the bookcase appeared her father returning home, and being greeted by her sniveling sisters, and hugged by her whipping brothers. Then the image disappeared. How thoughtful of the Beast! To show me my father's safe return! Thought Beauty. Perhaps he is not all bad. At noon she found a delicious lunch on the long table, and sweet music played all through the palace, but without any sign of musicians. When Beauty next sat at the table it was evening, and she could hear the Beast roaring in a distant part of the palace. She trembled. When the clock struck nine she heard the creaking of the stair, and his shadow fell across the food. May I watch you eat your supper, Beauty? He asked quietly. Of course, replied Beauty politely, but with a shaking voice. I don't wish to frighten you, said the Beast. If my company offends you, you have only to tell me, and I will leave! The beast paused and looked away for a moment. You must think I am very ugly. Well? Yes, I do, said Beauty, for she could not lie. Then she saw the pained look on his face, and added, But I think you are kind to. I am ali, and I am a fool! Said the Beast. A fool to think anyone could see beyond this terrifying face. A real fool would never admit that, replied Beauty. I think your wild body hides a good heart! When I think of how thoughtful you have been. You do not frighten me a good heart! I may have, said the Beast, but I am still a monster. I like you more with that ugly face of yours than I would if you had a handsome face, and wicked ways! Beauty assured him. The Beast seemed pleased with this, and set back deep in his thought. Beauty finished her supper, feeling almost comfortably in the beasties company, until he suddenly said, Beauty, will you marry me? Fear seized her heart. To refuse him, might send him into a monstrous rage. But to accept was horrifying too, and she could not tell a lie. I'm sorry Beast! But no! She said, her voice shaking again, fearing that this night might, after all be her last, instead of a roar of anger! The poor beast merrily sighted more fully, and said. Then, Good night Beauty! And left the room, looking back at her again and again before he closed the door behind him. Beauty listened to the mournful moans getting fainter as he made his way through the lavish lonely rooms of his palace. She went to bed, feeling deeply sorry for the Beast. How sad to appear so ugly, and be so good within! And so the weeks and months passed. Every evening the beast came to talk with her while she ate her supper every day. Beauty like more and more things about him. His good common sense, his honesty and thoughtfulness in every book she selected from the vast bookcases. She always found a special little note for her, beautifully written in gold. She looked forward to his visits, and often arrived early at the table waiting impatiently for the clock to Strike nine. She now welcomed the creak of the stair and his shadow in the firelight. The one thing Beauty dreaded was the final topic of their conversations before leaving. He always asked her to marry him, and she couldn't bear his sadness each time she refused him. You upset me when you talk like this beast, she said one evening. I hate to see you so sad. But I can never marry you. I shall always be your friend. You must try to be content with that. I am indeed a very lucky beast to have you as my friend. I am very ugly. I know, but I love you so much. And if you would promise never to leave me, my happiness would be complete. Then I can promise, said Beauty, But you must allow me to visit my father. I have seen in the glass of the bookcase that he is ill with worrying about me. I think I will die with grief. If you don't let me go to him, I don't want to cause you pain, Beauty! Said the Beast. I will send you home to see your father. But I am afraid that once you are there, you may never return to me. You have my heart without you. I would die. Oh, no! Cried Beauty. I promise I will come back in seven days. Very well, said the Beast. You shall be there tomorrow morning. All you need to do when you want to come back to me is to place this ring on the table beside you when you go to bed. Good night, Beauty! Then he walked slowly from the room and closed the door behind him, leaving behind a small golden ring. Beauty went to bed, feeling deeply agitated. She felt guilty to have caused such anguish to her Beast. Yet hoped expectantly she might soon see her father again. When she woke up next morning she found herself in her old room in her father's house. Beside her bed was a trunk full of beautiful dresses. The Beast thought of everything she put on the least. Showy of the dresses, and ran to her father's room. He kissed and hugged his daughter again and again. He was so relieved to see her safe and sound. He called for her sisters and brothers. The brothers arrived first, brimming with joy at beauties return. Her sisters were slow in coming, because they had found the trunk of fine dresses, and were feeling it ill with jealousy. When Beauty tried to give them some of the dresses. The trunk, and all of its contents vanished. It seems the Beast wants you to keep them all, said her father. He must be very fond of you with a flash. The trunk undresses reappeared, and so Beauty told them about her life with the Beast, and of her promise she had made to return to him in seven days. While Beauty's father and brothers showed her all the work they had been doing on the farm. Her sister's plotted against her. Why should she have so much when we have so little? If we can keep her here for more than seven days perhaps her beast will get so angry he will gobble her up For the rest of the week. The smothered beauty with hugs and kisses when the seven days were up they used the old onion trick again, and appearing completely heartbroken, begged her not to go. So beauty agreed to stay for one more week. But on the 10th night beauty dreamed that she was back in the garden of the palace, with the beast lying at her feet close to death. She woke suddenly, shocked and ashamed. She who never told a lie, had broken her promise to one who had showed her nothing but love and kindness. She me immediately laid her ring on the table beside the bed and fell asleep at once. When she woke up she was in her bed in the Beast's Palace. She dressed herself in the most beautiful of all the gowns he had given her, but of the Beast. There was no sign She heard the clock strike the hours slowly through the day, and was sitting at the table long before 9:00. The clock struck nine. But still the beast did not appear. Beauty felt sick with concern, and she ran through the palace through distant towers and turrets. She had never entered before, calling for him. She was close to despair when suddenly she remembered her dream rushing outside into the garden, she found him laying by her favorite rose bush, forgetting his ugliness, she threw herself upon him, her tears strict cheek pressed against the deadly cold cheek of the beast. She felt a slight slow heartbeat in his chest and bathed his face with water from the stream. At last the beast opened his eyes and gasped. You did not keep your promise to me when you didn't return. I couldn't eat, and my heart broke. Now I am dying! No beast! Don't die! Live and marry me! I thought I felt only friendship for you. But now I know it is love. We cannot live without each other. As soon as she said that the moon burst through the clouds and shooting stars, and fury, comets crisscrossed the sky like a heavenly firework display. Beauty noticed nothing of this, because her beast had vanished. In his place lay a handsome stranger. A prince who had been released from a wicked spell by Beauty's love. But where is my Beast? Cried Beauty. Your Beast is here before you! Said the Prince. Only you in the whole world. So my true self, under my monstrous shape! You deserve far more than the golden crown I offer you. A heart of gold is more than enough for me, said Beauty. And they walked under the moon and the star bursting sky at the palace as if the magic they found beauties, entire family there to share their happiness. The palace was now alive with servants and musicians beauties. Marriage to the prince was all that the father could wish for. His daughter. Of course Beauty's sisters were still jealous of her, but each found suitors at the grand wedding party and made better marriages than they deserved. Her brothers looked after. The Princess of States and Beauty lived the life of great happiness, surrounded by her family and her beloved beast.