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THE Wonderful Story OF BLUE BEARD, AND HIS LAST WIFE.

BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK.

STEREOTYPED BY VINCENT L. DILL.

THE WONDERFUL STORY OF BLUE BEARD.

Many years ago, a noble castle stood on the side of a hill, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens, groves, and fields. It was the residence of a man amazingly rich; and who therefore had the rooms of his castle furnished with all the elegance that opulence could obtain.

Almost every one would suppose, that there could hardly be a happier man than the possessor of so much wealth, and such a stately dwelling: but it is not in the power of riches to give happiness; nor can splendor remove every cause of sorrow and discontent.

It was the misfortune of this gentleman to be somewhat disfigured, by the extraordinary circumstance of having a blue beard. His general complexion was fair; and the hair on his head was of a light brown colour. It is therefore no wonder that, with a blue beard, his appearance should be considered so remarkable as to be almost forbidding; indeed it was thought so strange, that he was known only by the name of Blue Beard.

One of the chief misfortunes which this deformity produced, was the unwillingness which every young lady felt, even to be in his company. It was in vain that his costly carriages and Arabian horses were continually admired; it was in vain that his wealth was constantly mentioned in conversation; none of the young ladies would speak to him, or meet him.

Perhaps one great cause of this aversion arose from a report that he had had several wives; but no one seemed to know what had become of any of them. They had disappeared, but no one knew how.

Amongst the families that lived within a short distance of his castle, there was an elderly lady and her two daughters. Both these young ladies were highly accomplished, and much admired: but the younger of the two was also thought to be unusually handsome, and was therefore noticed rather more than her sister. It often happens, that beauty is a misfortune; because, if a young lady has not good sense, it will make her vain; and a vain girl generally falls into some kind of misery or trouble.

Blue Beard became acquainted with the mother of these young ladies; who having found that he was a gentleman of agreeable conversation and pleasing manners, told her daughters, she would not allow them to be so rude as to shun any person merely on account of a circumstance for which he ought not to be blamed nor despised. She told them that she did not desire them to like this gentleman either for his wealth or his behaviour; but that it was improper in them to show such weakness, as to avoid any one for such a peculiarity; she reminded them how liable we all are to changes of appearance, from beauty to ugliness, by diseases which we can neither prevent nor remove; and that if they shunned one man because he had a blue beard, they might also avoid others for having black hair, or grey eyes.

The young ladies were convinced of the propriety of what their mamma said; and though they were quite sure that they could never like Blue Beard, yet they resolved to remain in the room when he visited their mother, and to speak to him with proper civility.

After a few days he visited the house again, and had an opportunity of seeing and conversing with the young ladies; they treated him with politeness, and their fears began to subside. He met them in the same manner two or three times afterwards; and at length prevailed on the old lady to come with her daughters to his castle, and there spend with him a few days.

Vanity on their own account, and respect towards Blue Beard, induced them to make the greatest preparations for the intended visit. The young ladies thought of little but the magnificence of the dresses they should wear, and the taste which should be displayed in every part of their appearance.

Indeed, if both the young ladies had really been extremely fond of Blue Beard, they could not have taken greater pains to show themselves off, than they employed in preparing for their appearance at the castle. But, in truth, neither of them liked him. Such, however, is the thoughtless pride of some young ladies, that scarcely any thing pleases them so well as an opportunity of surpassing each other in displaying off their dress, jewels, or other finery.

The two young ladies having fully prepared themselves, they, accompanied by their mamma, on the day that had been appointed, set out for the castle, and at length reached the gate that lead through Blue Beard's grounds; and, although they had heard a great deal of the taste and expence which had been employed to improve and decorate the land around the castle, yet they were surprised by unexpected beauties. The finest trees overshadowed the walks, and shaded them from the heat of the sun; the most fragrant shrubs and flowers perfumed the air; fountains were playing in every direction; and alcoves were found in every inviting spot. Having passed through these delightful grounds, they reached the castle itself; at the entrance of which they were received by Blue Beard, and a retinue of servants in the most costly dresses. The hall was large and very lofty; its roof was supported by pillars of the finest marble; the windows were of beautiful stained glass; and upon the walls were hanging the portraits of the former possessors of this noble building.

They ascended the staircase, the rails of which were of brass work, most curiously wrought, and most richly gilt; the stairs themselves were of Egyptian marble, covered with crimson velvet. They proceeded into a drawing room that completely surpassed their ideas of grandeur; almost every piece of furniture was of silver; the floor was covered with white velvet, but was ornamented with needle-work that must have occupied the labour of years; the curtains were of satin, but were adorned in a manner to correspond with the carpets: in short, every thing was more splendid than words can describe.

The party continued in the castle several days; during which there was a constant succession of the most pleasing amusements. Not an interval was allowed to pass without some kind of entertainment; music, singing, and dancing; banquets, consisting of every luxury, were in constant succession.

Blue Beard had not been inattentive to the ladies in his personal services: he seemed to watch every look, that he might know how to please his fair visitors. Such attentions could not fail to produce some favorable effect; for it seldom happens, that the person who really desires to please, fails in pleasing.

When they were about to depart, Blue Beard entreated the younger of the two ladies that have been mentioned, to consent to become his wife. The splendor of every thing around her, the immense wealth she would have at command, and the attentions she had received during her visit, completely captivated the young lady, so that she no longer felt disposed to resist; and accordingly, with her mother's approbation, they were married. She, however, agreed that her sister should live with her in the castle.

It would be impossible to describe the magnificence with which this event was celebrated. The costly additions that were made to the furniture; the expensive dresses that were provided for the bride; and the sumptuous entertainments that were given to the company that attended, far exceeded all imaginary description. Indeed, there was scarcely any thing wanting for which she could have wished.

A new dining hall was prepared; and all the utensils of the table used upon the occasion, were manufactured of pure gold and silver: and persons were sent many miles to procure the greatest delicacies that could possibly be obtained.

But the greatest solicitude was shown in preparing the attire of the intended bride. Whatever wealth could purchase, or ingenuity contrive, were provided to give to her natural charms all the embellishments which art could bestow.

Nor was Blue Beard himself unemployed: he not only gave orders for himself, but all his servants were provided with the richest clothes, according to their respective situations.

Numerous as were his horses, additional ones were purchased; and new carriages of the grandest designs and the most costly materials, were prepared for his bride against the approaching happy day.

When the morning arrived on which this interesting ceremony was to take place, the day had scarcely dawned when sounds of joy were heard. The servants arose to prepare for the series of magnificence that was to take place; but none of them were moving about earlier than the bride and bridegroom; who, as they were the most immediately interested, were also the most anxious, and therefore among the most early, in preparing for the events of the day.

The company assembled to breakfast, and every thing marked the magnificence of the occasion; and every countenance contributed to the general cheerfulness. The church in which the ceremony was to take place was at some distance. The company proceeded thither in ten carriages, each drawn by six horses, and attended by a great retinue of servants. The carriage in which the bride and bridegroom were seated, was drawn by Arabian horses; the harness was made of white silk, woven on purpose; the trappings were of pure silver; the carriage itself was chiefly formed of pearl, ivory, and silver; and was lined with white satin, beautifully embossed.

When the procession approached the church, it was met by one hundred young maidens, dressed in white, singing to a band of the most skilful musicians: and when the company alighted, the young maidens strewed flowers for them to walk upon.

When the ceremony was over, they returned in the same manner, and were treated with the same complimentary services: that the hearts of all might rejoice, the bride and bridegroom distributed money as they passed along.

The dinner far exceeded in sumptuousness all that imagination can conceive. In the different recesses of this noble apartment, artificial fountains were playing the most odoriferous waters. The most luxuriant fruit-trees, standing in vases of gold, invited the guests to pluck the delicious fruits they bore.

In the evening, the company were introduced to a ball room. But so resplendent was this saloon, that on entering it, the eye was subdued by its incomparable radiance.

Transparencies, executed by the most eminent painters, charmed the attentive mind on every side; and the intervening spaces were filled up with variegated lamps, all of which were hung upon the surface of reflecting glass; while from the centre of the ceiling, a chandelier, suspended by a chain of gold, diffused the splendor of five hundred wax-lights. Here, also, were fountains of aromatic waters, and groves of exotic fruit-trees.

In this apartment, which seemed to realize the fabled stories of enchantment, dancing, and every other description of amusement, was continued, until folding windows opened, as if of their own accord, and disclosed a covered path through the most delightful part of the gardens, to a room in which supper was prepared: this path was entirely illuminated by splendid lamps; and the most brilliant fireworks were unremittingly discharged by artists engaged for the purpose.

The bride seemed to think that her life must necessarily consist of pleasure and happiness: indeed, she could imagine nothing that could be wanting to complete her wishes.

The utmost expectations of the young wife were fully gratified: every thing that she could wish for was hers, and her husband behaved with a kindness which made her feel truly happy.

Some time after the marriage had taken place, however, Blue Beard informed his wife that he had occasion to take a journey on account of some business, to which he must attend; "but I beg you, my dearest Fatima, to have

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