Page:History of Beauty and the Beast.pdf/23

33 liest Princes that eye ever beheld, who returned her thanks for having put an end to the charm under which he had so long resembled a Beast. Though this Prince was worthy of all her attention, she could not forbear asking where Beast was. “You see him at your feet said the Prince, a wicked fairy had condemned me to remain under that shape till a beautiful virgin should consent to marry me. In offering you my crown, I can’t discharge the obligations I have to you.” Beauty, agreeably surprised, gave the charming Prince her hand to rise; they went together into the castle, and Beauty was overjoyed to find, in the great hall, her father and his whole family, whom the beautiful lady, that appeared to her in her dream, had conveyed thither.

“Beauty,” said this lady, “come and receive the reward of your judicious choice: you are going to be a great Queen, I hope the throne will not lesson your virtue, nor make you forget yourself. As for you, ladies,” said the Fairy to Beauty’s two sisters, “I know your hearts and all the malice they contain. Become two statues! but under this transformation, still retain your reason. You shall stand before your