Beauty and the Beast

Description: A rich merchant lived in a city with his three daughters, of whom the youngest is named Belle (French for "Beautiful") for being lovely and pure of heart. The merchant eventually loses all of his wealth, and he and his daughters must therefore live in the rural areas outside of the city. After some years of this, he hears that one of the trade... ( +expand to view full text )

Description: A rich merchant lived in a city with his three daughters, of whom the youngest is named Belle (French for "Beautiful") for being lovely and pure of heart. The merchant eventually loses all of his wealth, and he and his daughters must therefore live in the rural areas outside of the city. After some years of this, he hears that one of the trade ships sent by himself had arrived in port, having escaped the destruction of its compatriots; therefore he returns to the city to discover whether it contains anything of monetary value. Before leaving, he asks his daughters whether they desire that he bring them any gift upon his return. His two oldest daughters ask for jewelry and dresses, thinking that his wealth has returned; Belle is satisfied with the promise of a rose, as none grow in their part of the country. The merchant finds that his ship's cargo has been seized to pay his debts, leaving him without money by which to buy his daughters their presents.