A C T I Scene I: The Merchant’s City Mansion As the Merchant naps, his daughters, Beauty, Pride and Avarice have planned a surprise birthday celebration for him. Amidst the festivities, bill collectors arrive, seeking the home of the shipping Merchant. They report his ships have been lost at sea and his fortune is gone. His home is stripped of valuables and seized, the Merchant retreats to his country cottage with his daughters. Scene 2: The Merchant’s Country Cottage The Merchant’s daughters gradually adjust to their modest country cottage. One day, a messenger arrives, bringing news that one of the Merchant’s ships has been recovered. As they pack, each daughter makes her own request of finery and riches, except for Beauty, whose only desire is that of a white rose. They all bid him farewell as he begins his seaward journey to reclaim his fortune. Scene 3: The Merchant’s Journey After paying off his debt to his creditors, the Merchant is penniless. As the empty handed Merchant journeys home, a terrible storm blows overhead. Luckily, he finds refuge in a mysterious castle. Scene 4: Interior of the Castle Inside the castle, the Merchant discovers a table laden with food, fit for a banquet. He partakes of the feast then contentedly falls asleep in a comfortable chair. As he sleeps, the Whispers of the castle investigate, curious who this stranger could be. Scene 5: The Rose Garden The following morning, the Merchant continues his journey. Before leaving the castle, he pauses in the rose garden to pluck a white rose for Beauty. Suddenly, a hideous beast
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