Old-Time Stories

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Шарль Перро. Old-Time Stories

PREFATORY NOTE

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD

PUSS IN BOOTS

LITTLE TOM THUMB

THE FAIRIES

RICKY OF THE TUFT

CINDERELLA

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

BLUE BEARD

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

THE FRIENDLY FROG

PRINCESS ROSETTE

Отрывок из книги

Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who were grieved, more grieved than words can tell, because they had no children. They tried the waters of every country, made vows and pilgrimages, and did everything that could be done, but without result. At last, however, the queen found that her wishes were fulfilled, and in due course she gave birth to a daughter.

A grand christening was held, and all the fairies that could be found in the realm (they numbered seven in all) were invited to be godmothers to the little princess. This was done so that by means of the gifts which each in turn would bestow upon her (in accordance with the fairy custom of those days) the princess might be endowed with every imaginable perfection.

.....

He expected to be away at the war for the whole of the summer, and as soon as he was gone the queen-mother sent her daughter-in-law and the two children to a country mansion in the forest. This she did that she might be able the more easily to gratify her horrible longings. A few days later she went there herself, and in the evening summoned the chief steward.

'For my dinner to-morrow,' she told him, 'I will eat little Dawn.'

.....