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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44558 ***
+
+  THE
+  Wonderful Story
+  OF
+  BLUE BEARD,
+  AND
+  HIS LAST WIFE.
+
+  With many illustrations
+
+  BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK.
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+  _NEW-YORK_:
+  PUBLISHED BY HUESTIS & COZANS,
+  No. 104 Nassau, corner of Ann St.
+
+  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 (for they had been somewhat afraid of him)
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Mr. Blue Beard has bad dreams, and determines to get
+married again.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Blue Beard's servant announces his master's intention of
+coming a courting, to an interesting young lady.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Blue Beard's chosen love.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: The happy couple on their way home from church.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Blue Beard gives his wife the forbidden key.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Blue Beard examining her husband's treasures.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Blue Beard opens the door of the forbidden chamber.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Blue Beard and her sister considerably astonished.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: The sight that astonished Mrs. Blue Beard and her
+sister.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Blue Beard comes home.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Blue Beard in a quandary.]
+
+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, (for that was the young lady's name,) to have every sort of
+entertainment that can amuse you during my absence. Here are all the
+keys of the castle; you may therefore examine the different apartments
+which you have not seen; and I hope you will find some that will
+surprise and please you as well as those with which you are already
+acquainted. I must however most earnestly caution and require you not
+to open the blue closet at the end of the gallery; and although I leave
+the key of it with you, yet I trust you will have the prudence to
+fulfil my wishes in this particular. Remember this, as you value my
+love and your own life and happiness."
+
+[Illustration: Mr. Blue Beard in a passion.]
+
+Fatima promised that she would obey his desire. She thanked her husband
+for his kind attention to her comforts; and again promised that she
+would not disappoint the confidence he had placed in her, but would
+carefully abstain from examining the particular apartment he had named.
+
+Blue Beard set off upon his journey; and Fatima having informed her
+sister of every thing that had passed in their late conversation, they
+agreed to invite their relatives and friends to an entertainment the
+next day; but more particularly their two brothers, who, having been
+absent from home as military officers, had not yet seen their sister's
+magnificent residence.
+
+Having arranged every thing for their intended party, Fatima proposed
+that they should see the apartments of which she now had the keys. They
+accordingly proceeded to that part of the extensive castle which they
+had not as yet seen, and at last arrived at a most splendid suit of
+rooms, far surpassing those to which they had been accustomed.
+
+On one side of one of these apartments they perceived a door, which
+they opened, and found behind it an iron gate of amazing strength.
+Among the keys Blue Beard had left, they found one which opened this
+massy portal.
+
+When they entered the room which was before them, they were surprised
+to find it almost full of large iron chests: but their surprise was
+considerably increased when they had found, that they were full of
+gold, silver, and jewels; even the costliness of the apartments they
+had just quitted, seemed insignificant when compared with the riches
+which this treasury contained.
+
+Having fastened the entrance to the treasury, they sat down and
+conversed upon what they had seen. Fatima could not avoid feeling that
+the personal deformity in Blue Beard was compensated by the vast wealth
+of which she was become the mistress; but both she and her sister were
+almost lost in admiration of the immeasurable riches they had lately
+beheld.
+
+In returning to their usual apartments, they passed the door of the
+mysterious blue closet, which Blue Beard had cautioned his wife not to
+examine. They could not help expressing their mutual curiosity upon the
+interior of this particular chamber. It could not have been his wish
+to conceal any articles of value; as nothing could be more valuable
+than the contents of the treasury. After some deliberation, Fatima
+said that they could do no harm by merely looking inside; and although
+her sister reminded her of the promise she had made her husband, and
+of his express desire, yet she resolved to gratify her irresistible
+curiosity, and put the key to the door.
+
+[Illustration: Miss Anna on top of the tower, on the lookout for her
+brother.]
+
+She entered the closet, but it was too dark for her to discern any
+object; however, she could just perceive that there was a window, the
+shutters of which were closed: she went forward and removed them. The
+instant that light was admitted, her curiosity was gratified. She found
+herself amidst the severed limbs and mutilated bodies of her husband's
+former wives. The scene was frightful! Her own future condition,
+she immediately thought, might add to these dreadful objects! Her
+blood chilled! The very hair rose upon her head! Nor was her terror
+diminished, when she saw upon the wall these awful words--_The fate of
+broken promises and disobedient curiosity._--She trembled excessively;
+and in the alarm of the moment, she let fall the key of the closet,
+which she had brought in her hand: she hastily snatched it from the
+floor; and having summoned sufficient courage to close the shutters,
+she came out of this dreadful apartment, and locked the door.
+
+[Illustration: The Brother arrives.]
+
+Fatima hastened to her sister, who not choosing to partake of her
+sister's folly, had proceeded to their customary sitting-room. She
+related what she had seen; particularly the sentence which was on
+the wall. Her sister partook of her alarm; and feared that evil
+consequences would result from this unfortunate affair. She asked
+Fatima if she had closed the window-shutters and brought away the key:
+and returned every thing she had moved to its proper place; Fatima said
+she had; and, in proof of her answer to the inquiry, showed the key
+itself.
+
+The key, however, was no sooner produced than they both turned pale
+with horror. This fatal instrument was covered with blood! and all
+their endeavours could not clear it of its condemning evidence.
+
+During the remainder of the evening they employed themselves in making
+every sort of exertion to restore the key to its former state; but
+all they could do was ineffectual; it still preserved the testimony
+of Fatima's indiscretion. At night they retired to bed; but no
+sleep did the wretched girls obtain. The splendor and riches of the
+castle lost all their charms; Fatima no longer prided herself upon
+her good fortune; she felt that no creature could be more miserable
+than she was. How soon Blue Beard would return, she had no means of
+conjecturing; it was not likely, however, that he would be at the
+castle again for some days to come; she therefore resolved to escape
+from this dreadful mansion as soon as the entertainment, which was
+appointed for the next day, should have taken place.
+
+When she arose in the morning, she communicated to her sister the
+intention she had formed; and they both began to feel less dread than
+they had experienced since the discoveries in the fatal closet. The day
+advanced, and they looked forward to the arrival of the relatives and
+friends whom they had invited to this day's entertainment.
+
+However, in the midst of their mutual congratulations upon the plan
+which had been formed, they heard the arrival of a carriage at
+the castle, and in a few moments Blue Beard himself entered their
+apartment. Fatima felt all the horror which the remembrance of the
+closet could excite, and all the shame which the consciousness of her
+own impropriety could not fail to produce.
+
+Blue Beard did not seem to notice his wife's uneasiness; but with
+apparent good humour said, "that he had not proceeded very far, when
+he met a messenger who was coming to the castle to inform him that it
+was no longer necessary he should proceed on his intended journey;
+that he had therefore lost no time in returning home; where," he said,
+"Fatima's presence rendered him so peculiarly happy."
+
+Soon afterwards Blue Beard, as though he wanted something, asked his
+wife for the keys. She went to the chamber and returned with all of
+them excepting the one which belonged to the dreadful closet; for it
+still preserved the evidence of her disobedience. He took them with
+seeming good-natured indifference, and did not pretend to observe how
+the wretched girl trembled. As he held them in his hand, he said to
+her, with affected carelessness, "The key of the blue closet is not
+here; bring it to me in my dressing-room."
+
+He arose and left the apartment in which they were sitting; and Fatima
+and her sister proceeded to her chamber. Again they tried to remove
+the blood with which the key was stained; but all their efforts were
+unavailing. At length Blue Beard called his wife, and as she and her
+sister were going to his dressing-room, they met him in the gallery,
+close to the stairs which led to the top of the castle.
+
+As soon as she approached him, he threw off the disguise of good nature
+which he had assumed in the sitting room, and demanded the key of the
+closet. The tone of voice in which this was uttered, struck upon her
+ear like the knell for her execution; she seemed to be deprived of the
+power of speaking. He became impatient, and seizing her hand, took from
+it the blood-stained key. The wretched girl fell upon her knees, the
+tears rushed into her eyes, and enabled her to speak; but by this time
+Blue Beard stood over her with his sword unsheathed.
+
+Fatima's sister, as she stood by, almost petrified, gave a dreadful
+shriek when she saw the instrument of death raised over her defenceless
+sister. The sound caught the ear of Blue Beard; and for a moment his
+intention was suspended. Looking upon his wretched victim, "Where,"
+said he, "was your promise, when you were fool enough to enter the
+closet? and where was the obedience you promised to pay me, when you
+suffered your curiosity to overcome your duty? But you shall commit
+no more crimes; therefore receive _the fate of broken promises, and
+disobedient curiosity_."
+
+These last words roused the almost inanimate girl; she recollected that
+she had seen them on the wall of the fatal closet. He was now about to
+fulfil his sentence; his arm was again uplifted; when she entreated him
+to spare her for a few minutes, to prepare for this unexpected end. He
+consented, after much entreaty, to allow her a quarter of an hour. As
+soon as this indulgence was given her, she begged her sister to ascend
+the staircase to the top of the castle, and see if any of their friends
+were to be seen. She did so; but no signs of a human being could be
+perceived.
+
+At length the short interval which had been allowed her came to an
+end, and Blue Beard approached to complete his determination. She
+again implored mercy, and he, knowing that she was in his power, gave
+her five minutes more. She now renewed her frenzied enquiries to her
+sister; "Is no one coming?" asked she. After a short time her sister
+told her that she saw something approaching; which cheered the heart of
+the unhappy girl. Alas! it was but transient,--it was a flock of sheep.
+
+Blue Beard's patience was now exhausted; and he came to the foot of the
+tower where Fatima was; when her sister called out, "I see two horsemen
+coming." "Make signs for them to hasten," shrieked the miserable girl.
+
+Her brutal husband had now caught her by the hair of her head, and in
+spite of her heart-rending cries for mercy, was about to strike at
+her with his scymitar, when two men in soldiers' uniform rushed to the
+spot, and plunged their swords in the breast of the relentless Blue
+Beard.
+
+The monster had still sufficient life to speak: he raised himself on
+one arm, and looking on them all, thus spoke: "I am at last justly
+punished. By the splendor of my riches, I have induced many a beautiful
+woman to become my wife; but as soon as I discovered the least
+deviation from truth, or disobedience to my will, she suffered death.
+I put Fatima's veracity to the test, by obtaining her promise that
+she would not open the door of the blue closet; and by leaving the
+key with her, she broke her word, and the key, which has the property
+of preserving the stains of blood, until it be rubbed with a peculiar
+oil, afforded the evidence of her guilt. By the same means I knew that
+she had disobeyed my orders, and broken her own promises. These two
+faults had incurred my revenge. She has had a narrow escape; yet I
+hope she will in future never break a promise, disobey those to whom
+she promises submission, nor give way to the impulse of improper or
+forbidden curiosity."
+
+He grew faint; and having uttered a few prayers for forgiveness, he
+fell back, and expired.
+
+During the day, all the friends who had been invited arrived. They were
+told the occurrences which had happened; and such of them as chose it,
+saw the horrid proofs of Blue Beard's cruelty.
+
+Fatima shortly afterwards had a day of great rejoicing; she not only
+gave a magnificent entertainment to her relations and friends, but
+the poor, for miles round, were collected together to partake of her
+hospitality: and on this occasion every face glowed with smiles of
+happiness.
+
+Fatima's former days had showed her the sufferings and privations of
+the poor; and now she had the power, she determined to better their
+condition. With this view, instead of the miserable hovels usually
+inhabited by the labouring poor, she had annually several comfortable
+and pleasant cottages built, and to each one she added, a large plot of
+ground. To every labouring family upon her extensive estates, she gave
+one of these cottages, and where there were a family of children, she
+added to this gift a cow, and a few sheep. By this means, she enabled
+them, by their own exertions, instead of occasional want, always to
+secure a humble competence; and in a very short time, every person upon
+her estate was rendered happy, and became her firm friend.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+  PHILIP J. COZANS,
+  PUBLISHER AND BOOKSELLER,
+  No. 116 NASSAU STREET,
+  _NEW-YORK_.
+
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+  _ALSO JUST PUBLISHED_,
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+
+  Country orders attended to with punctuality--and liberal Discount
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+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Otherwise, the author's
+original spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been left intact.
+
+Page 6 - The word 'expence' has been retained. It is an obsolete
+spelling of 'expense'.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Wonderful Story of Blue Beard, and
+His Last Wife, by George Cruikshank
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44558 ***