Lyrics by Frank DiGiacomo and Julian R. Pace. Photography by Sherry Eckstein.

Returning from the hopeless trip to the city, having lost every hope of improving his family’s fortunes, Beauty’s Father stumbles into a seemingly enchanted sanctuary of safety - a moonlit garden adjacent to a beautiful castle. He is surrounded by larger-than-life daffodils, lilies, flowers of all colors and strange kinds.

Prominent in the background is a large Withered Tree. In the foreground, a shady garden bench, flanked by a large rosebush in full bloom; the flowers are lit by an unusual light, and often a slight movement can be perceived among them.

The Father enters wearily, and sits down on the bench to rest.

LYRICS
Father:    
        Ah, my daughters, to what a wretched pass your Father has brought you.
        Sad news I bear, of our final ruin at the greedy hands of those
        who seized all my goods before even I’d arrived, and stripped me of everything
        save the barest needs for my journey home.
        Were it not for the hospitality of this fair place
        I would have lacked the strength to continue.
        
        (He pauses and looks about him.)
        
        And what a strange place this is!
        The very air is heavy with enchantment.
        I came here last night, out of a frozen blizzard
        into sudden sunlight on an avenue of orange trees,
        travel-weary unto death, my horse lamed,
        lost, hungry and cold.
        Since that hour my every want has been foreseen;
        yet, strange to tell, I’ve never once beheld a soul,
        servant or master.
        The table is laden with rich food ere I hunger or thirst;
        no sign of my gracious host, never a hand to be seen,
        to receive my earnest gratitude.
        The way to the guest-chamber is brightly torchlit,
        even fresh garments laid by me as l slept.
        By some mysterious hand this castle is well kept,
        exquisite beyond my furthest dreams;
        and this garden—fit for a princess to wander in!
        Ah, my Beauty, how you would love to see these roses.
        Your request alone can I fulfill…
        but you alone at least shall not be disappointed.