no sooner had he shut his chamber door, than, to his great astonishment,[28] he found it by his bedside; he was determined, however, not to tell his children, that he was grown rich, because they would have wanted to return to town, and he was resolved not to leave the country; but the Beauty informed him, that two gentlemen came in his absence,[29] and courted her sisters. She begged her father to consent to their marriage, and give them fortunes, for she was so good, that she loved them and forgave heartily their behaviour. These wicked creatures rubbed their eyes with an onion to force some tears[30] when they parted with their sister, but her brothers were really concerned.
Exercises
1. Translate into Russian:
to sacrifice, to respite, satisfaction, oath, chest, quantity, embraces, to suffer, proof, tender, charmed, offer, to yield, jealous, to consent, fortune, concerned.
2. Answer the questions.
1. Was the merchant ready to sacrifice his daughters to the monster?
2. What did the merchant do with the chest?
3. Did the merchant cry when he returned home? Why?
4. What did the sisters say about Beauty?
5. What did Beauty decide to do to save her father’s life?
6. Was the merchant charmed with Beauty’s offer?
7. Were Beauty’s sisters delighted? Why?
8. What did the merchant forget about?
9. Why did the merchant decide not to tell his children about the chest?
10. Were the sisters sad when they parted with Beauty?
3. True or False?
1. The merchant decided to sacrifice his daughters to the monster.
2. The merchant promised to the Beast that he would return.
3. The merchant left the Beast’s castle empty-handed.
4. Returning home the merchant burst into tears.
5. The Beauty decided to sacrifice herself to the monster.
6. Beauty’s brothers were very scared and they didn’t want to help their sister and father.
7. The merchant thought his sons could overcome the Beast.
8. The merchant at first forgot about the chest.
9. The merchant was determined to tell his children, that he was grown rich.
10. The Beauty begged her father to consent to her sisters’ marriage.
5
The horse took the direct road to the palace, and towards evening they reached the castle. The horse went into the stable, and the good man and his daughter came into the great hall, where they found a table splendidly served up, and two covers. The merchant didn’t want to eat, but Beauty, endeavoring to appear cheerful, sat down to table, and helped him. “Afterwards,” thought she to herself, “Beast surely has a mind[31] to fatten me before he eats me, since he provides such plentiful entertainment.[32]” When they had supped they heard a great noise, and the merchant, all in tears, bid his poor child, farewell, for he thought Beast was coming. Beauty was sadly terrified at his horrid form, but she took courage[33] as well as she could, and said to the monster that she came willingly.
The beast responded, “You are very good, and I am greatly obliged to you; honest man, go your ways tomorrow morning, but never think of coming here again.”
“Farewell Beauty, farewell Beast,” answered he, and immediately the monster withdrew. “Oh, daughter,” said the merchant, embracing Beauty, “I am almost frightened to death, believe me, you had better go back, and let me stay here.”
“No, father,” said Beauty, in a resolute tone, “you shall set out tomorrow morning, and leave me to the care and protection of providence.” They went to bed, and thought they should not close their eyes all night; but they fell fast asleep quickly, and Beauty dreamed, a fine lady came, and said to her, “I am content, Beauty, with your good will, this good action of yours in giving up your own life to save your father’s shall not go unrewarded.” Beauty waked, and told her father her dream, and though it helped to comfort him a little, yet he could not help crying bitterly,[34] when he took leave of his dear child.
As soon as he was gone, Beauty sat down in the great hall, and started crying for she firmly believed Beast would eat her up that night.
However, she thought she might as well walk about until then, and view this fine castle, which she could not help admiring;[35] it was a delightful pleasant place, and she was extremely surprised at seeing a door, over which was written, “Beauty’s Apartment.” She opened it hastily, and was quite dazzled with the magnificence that reigned throughout; but what chiefly took up her attention, was a large library, a harpsichord, and several music books. Then she reflected, “Were I but to stay here a day, there would not have been all these preparations.” This consideration inspired her with fresh courage; and opening the library she took a book, and read these words, in letters of gold:
Welcome Beauty, banish fear,
You are queen and mistress here.
Speak your wishes, speak your will,
Swift obedience meets them still.[36]
Exercises
1. Translate into Russian:
splendidly, to endevour, to appear, cheerful, afterwards, to respond, resolute, hastily, to reign, chiefly, to reflect, preparation, to inspire, mistress, will.
2. Answer the questions.
1. When did they reach the casle?
2. What did the merchant and his daughter find in the great hall?
3. Was the merchant hungry?
4. What did Beauty think about the Beast?
5. What did the merchant and his daughter hear after they had supped?
6. Why was Beauty terrified?
7. Did the merchant and his daughter sleep well at night?
8. Was the castle a delightful place?
9. What was written on one of the doors?
10. What
to his great astonishment – к его великому изумлению
in his absence – в его отсутствие
to force some tears – чтобы вызвать у себя слезы
has a mind – намеревается
plentiful entertainment –
took courage – набралась храбрости
he could not help crying bitterly – он не смог удержаться от слез
she could not help admiring – не могла не восхититься
Swift obedience meets them still – все быстро исполнится
