o stretch himself out at full length, and wait for some one to
come and help him.

Now a good many fagot-makers passed near the place where the Ogre lay,
and when they heard him groan they went up to ask him what was the
matter. But the Ogre had eaten such a great number of children in his
lifetime that he had grown so very big and fat that these men could
not even have carried one of his legs, so they were forced to leave
him there. At last night came on, and then a large serpent came out of
a wood just by and stung him, so that he died in great pain.

By and by, Hop-o'-my-Thumb, who had become the King's first favorite,
heard of the Ogre's death; and the first thing he did was to tell his
Majesty all that the good-natured Ogress had done to save the lives of
himself and brothers. The King was so much pleased at what he heard
that he asked Hop-o'-my-Thumb if there was any favor he could bestow
upon her. Hop-o'-my-Thumb thanked the King, and desired that the
Ogress might have the noble title of Duchess of Draggletail given to
her, which was no sooner asked than granted. The Ogress then came to
court, and lived very happily for many years, enjoying the vast
fortune she had found in the Ogre's chests. As for Hop-o'-my-Thumb,
he every day grew more witty and brave; till at last the King made him
the greatest lord in the kingdom, and set him over all his affairs.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

There was once a very rich merchant who had six children--three boys
and three girls. As he was himself a man of great sense, he spared no
expense for their education. The three daughters were all handsome,
but particularly the youngest; indeed, she was so very beautiful that
in her childhood every one called her the Little Beauty; and being
equally lovely when she was grown up, nobody called her by any other
name, which made her sisters very jealous of her. This youngest
daughter was not only more handsome than her sisters, but also was
better tempered. The two eldest were vain of their wealth and
position. They gave themselves a thousand airs, and refused to visit
other merchants' daughters; nor would they condescend to be seen
except with persons of quality. They went every day to balls, plays,
and public walks, and always made game of their youngest sister for
spending her time in reading or other useful employments. As it was
well known that these young ladies would have large fortunes, many
great merchants wished to get them