Puslapio vaizdai
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"You've come back from sea,

And not know my John?

I might as well have asked some landsman,
Yonder down in the town,

There's not an ass in all the parish
But he knows my John.

"How's my boy-my boy?

And unless you let me know I'll swear you are no sailor,

Blue jacket or no,

Brass buttons or no, sailor,

Anchor and crown or no :
Sure his ship was the Jolly Briton.'
"Speak low, woman-speak low!"

"And why should I speak low, sailor,
About my own boy, John?
If I was as loud as I am proud,

I'd sing him over the town! Why should I speak low, sailor ?"— "That good ship went down."

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N about six months Haitim arrived at the extremity of the cave through which he had entered the dominions of Farokash. The guides accompanied him through the cave, and in the course of three days landed him in safety at its mouth.

Haitim then asked them, "Have you any objection to go further ?" They replied, "Our orders do not permit us to accompany you beyond the mouth of this cave;" and accordingly they laid down their burdens of gold and jewels on that spot, and forthwith began to retrace their steps.

When the people that had been placed at the mouth of the cave by Harith's daughter saw the Deevs, they ran off. Haitim shouted after them, "Good people, be not afraid; I am Haitim, the man who, some time ago, entered this cave to explore it. I am now safely returned; why do you run away from me?"

The people looked back, and seeing Haitim, they recognised him

and returned.

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The youth fell at Haitim's feet, but the latter quickly raised him up, and affectionately pressed him to his bosom.

Meanwhile the people belonging to Harith's daughter conveyed to their mistress the news of Haitim's arrival.

The merchant's daughter immediately sent for him, and requested to know the result of his adventure.

He minutely detailed to her the nature of the cave, and every circumstance connected with his journey among the Deevs, adding, "Thus I have answered one of your questions; let me now hear your next, that I may immediately set about its solution."

Harith's daughter stated her second question, as follows:"There is heard in the Desert the voice of a man who exclaims, 'I have done nothing which can benefit me this night."

Upon hearing this, Haitim returned to the caravanserai, and after taking leave of the young man, he set out for the Desert.

One night, as he was reclining beneath a tree, occupied in praising the Supreme Creator, suddenly his ear caught the sound, "I have done nothing which can benefit me this night." For the whole of that night Haitim continued to advance in the direction from whence the voice proceeded.

When daylight came he again sat down under the shade of a tree, and began to deliberate with himself whether he should turn to the right or to the left.

While he was yet uncertain as to his route, he happened to espy a village on the confines of the Desert, the inhabitants of which were all assembled together weeping and lamenting bitterly.

Haitim approached, and asked one of them, "What is the cause of your weeping and lamentation ?"

They answered him, "Once every week a monster giant comes to our village, and devours one of our people; and if we do not appease him by the sacrifice of a human creature, he will raze our abodes to the dust, and destroy us all."

"At present the lot has fallen on the son of our chief: on Thursday the monster will come, and the four days that intervene till that time are devoted to weeping and mourning.

"The youth's relations are at this moment standing around him, extolling his virtues and lamenting his fate. This, sir, is the cause of the grief that now overwhelms our village."

Haitim inquired of the people-"Which of this assembly is the chief's son, and which the parents and relatives ?"

They were pointed out to Haitim, who approached the chief, and said to him, "Honoured sir, pray tell me what sort of monster is this, and what form he assumes? Meanwhile be under no anxiety, for I, as substitute for your son, will face the giant."

The chief replied "Brave youth! may heaven reward your generosity: you seem a stranger, too, in our village."

"Suffice it for the present," said Haitim, "that I have drank of your waters, you have, therefore, a claim upon my friendship; do you only describe to me in what form this monster usually appears."

The chief of the village drew a sketch of the monster upon the sand; on seeing which Haitim observed, "This must be the giant Halûka; he is invulnerable against all weapons, but if you will follow my directions, I trust that, if it should please God the Supreme, I may be able to overcome him."

All the people anxiously asked him, "How is this to be done?" Haitim, addressing the chief, said, "Are there any manufacturers of glass in your village ?"

"There are," said the chief, "two or three houses for that purpose."

Immediately, Haitim, accompanied by the chief, proceeded to the houses of the glass manufacturers, and gave orders to this effect: "Within four days you must make a mirror of two hundred feet in length, and one hundred feet in breadth; such a mirror will be necessary for the expulsion of the giant, and if you comply not with my request he will destroy the whole of your village."

The glass manufacturers replied, "If you furnish us with the materials, we shall be able to have your mirror ready within the time specified.".

The chief said to them, "Whatever amount of money you may require, that I shall furnish ;" and he immediately sent them the sum they demanded.

They then set about forming the mirror, and in the space of three days their task was finished.

When Haitim was informed that the mirror was ready, he commanded all the men of the city to assemble, in order to convey the mirror to a certain spot without the city gate by which the giant usually entered.

The people readily obeyed him, and conveyed the mirror safe to the appointed spot, and there erected it.

Haitim then told them to bring as many sheets as when sewed together would cover the face of the mirror, which order was speedily executed by the chief and his attendants.

Haitim now addressed the multitude, saying, "My good friends, you may in the meantime retire to your houses without the least uneasiness of mind. This night you may sleep in security; but if any of you be desirous to see the result of my stratagem, let him remain here with me."

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The son of the chief promptly spoke out, "I will be your companion;" but his father forbade him, saying, Already my health is exhausted in order to purchase your safety; why, then, do you venture to face the giant ?"

On hearing this remark, Haitim said to the chief, "There is nothing to fear, so you may rest satisfied that no harm will befall your son. If he should suffer the least injury, you shall be at liberty to do with me what you choose."

Here the youth himself boldly answered, "A few days ago you had all resolved to sacrifice me to this monster; you will allow, then, that I am under no great obligations to you. I prefer the society of this brave and skilful man, who has been the means of my preservation."

All the people, on hearing this, insisted on remaining in company with Haitim: and having dressed some food in the open plain, they ate and rejoiced, saying, "This night the giant will be destroyed." When night arrived, a most terrific yell assailed their ears, such as usually accompanied the approach of the giant. They all shuddered, and their faces assumed a yellow hue.

"Fear not," said Haitim, addressing them; "keep strict silence, and be not under the least apprehension. You shall soon have some rare sport; the monster's coming, as that hideous howl proclaims."

In the course of an hour the giant was so near as to be distinctly seen, in shape like an immense mountain.

He had neither hands nor feet, but a tremendous mouth situated in the middle of his body. He advanced with a revolving motion, and from his jaws issued volumes of flame and clouds of smoke. When the people of the village saw this terrific spectacle, they trembled from fear, and prepared to flee from the spot. "You have nothing to fear," said Hatim, "stand quiet and look on; not the least harm shall befall you."

The people, encouraged by Haitim's address, stood silent as the dead, and tremblingly beheld the approach of the giant.

Haitim stood with his eyes fixed on Halûka as he rolled towards him; and when the giant was within a few paces of the mirror, the curtain that covered it was suddenly pulled off.

When Halûka beheld his own monstrous form in the glass, he was choked with rage; and uttered a yell so loud as to make the Desert and the mountains shake.

Thus choking with rage, he remained for a short time, till at last his confined breath so inflated him that he burst like the crash of the thunderbolt, so that the hearers were struck senseless, and the echoes of the wilderness reverberated far and wide.

When the people recovered their senses, what a spectacle presented itself! The Desert was overspread with the loathsome entrails of Halûka, who now lay dead before them.

The whole assembly, including the chief and his son, gathered around Haitim and prostrated themselves at his feet. They then addressed him: "Most learned sir, tell us the reason why the monster has thus died, as it were of his own accord ?"

"You see," replied Haitim, "the giant has come to his death, not from any weapon, but merely through viewing of his own image, for he had never seen his own likeness in any other creature; rage stopped his breath so effectually that he burst."

Next day the inhabitants of the village, each according to his means, produced all their valuables in gold, jewels, and diamonds, and offered them to Haitim, who would accept nothing, saying, "My good friends, these are not of the least use to me. In this affair I have merely discharged my duty towards God and my fellow creatures."

"May we ask," said they, "what has been the cause of your coming into our village?"

Haitim answered, "This is the eve of the day when a voice will be heard in the Desert, crying, I have done nothing which can benefit me this night! I have travelled hither in pursuit of the mysterious being who utters this exclamation, and to-night I intend to resume my wanderings."

The chief observed, "It is now some time since that voice has been heard by us, but we do not know whence it proceeds."

Haitim remained in the village for the whole of that day, at the usual time of night the voice reached his ear, and he instantly proceeded in the direction whence it issued.

For the whole of the night he continued to advance as he supposed towards the sound, and when daylight came he found himself still in the Desert, when he again halted.

He journeyed thus week after week for the space of two months, at the expiration of which time he came to a mound of sand of about

five hundred feet in diameter; ascending to the summit he discovered that the voice issued from its interior.

Haitim halted, and looked around him; and lo! a body of men consisting of about five hundred horsemen, and as many on foot, appeared drawn up in array before him. He approached them, but found that they were all statues of marble, being, as he conjectured, monuments of the illustrious dead.

Among these tombs Haitim rested for a week, until the time of hearing the voice should again come round.

As the evening approached, Haitim ascended the hill, and devoutly kneeling, poured out his soul in prayer before the Almighty Creator.

When the first watch of the night had passed, the inmates of the tombs started into life, with countenances resembling angels. They arrayed the place with couches and thrones, on which they sat apparelled in robes of the most splendid description.

Amidst all these, one of the revived dead, with weeping eyes and mean apparel, his body sprinkled with dust and ashes, and his feet bare, came forth, and in humble posture sat upon the cold ground. Before each of those who sat on thrones and couches flowed streams of nectar, of which they freely drank, but none of them gave the least drop to the wretched man who sat upon the bare earth. The latter, after some time heaved a deep sigh, and said, "Alas! I have not done that which might have benefitted me this night!"

Haitim stood near and witnessed the whole scene, and rejoiced that his inquiries were now likely to prove successful.

When the hour of midnight arrived, a table was magically placed before each of them. On each table was a large vessel, full of rice and milk, with a goblet full of pure water.

Another table stood apart from the rest, furnished in like manner, and one of the company said, "Come, my friends, this traveller is our guest for the time. Let him be introduced, and seated at this table, which is unoccupied."

On hearing this, one of them arose, and, advancing to Haitim, took him kindly by the hand, and, conducting him to a couch, placed food before him.

Haitim's attention was wholly occupied by the man who lay on the ground, constantly sighing and weeping, and at short intervals exclaiming, "I have not done aught that can benefit me this right!"

This man also had a table, but instead of nectar and ambrosia, his cup was filled with the juice of zakkim, and he had the most loathsome food to eat.

Haitim for some time held down his head in deep reflection, and at last began to taste of the fare before him.

After he had refreshed himself with food and drink, the tables vanished from his sight; but his whole thoughts ever reverted to the mysterious state of that wretched being who sat upon the ground before him.

Haitim, addressing the company, said, "Most worthy sirs, I have one request which, with your permission, I would wish to state." The whole assembly requested him to speak.

Haitim then proceeded :-"How comes it, worthy sirs, that you are seated on thrones exalted in dignity, and regaled with such heavenly and delicious fare? And, on the other hand, tell me the reason why, instead of such food, the juice of the zakkim, with the most loathsome refuse, has been allotted as the portion of this

miserable man who lies stretched on the bare earth?"

To this they replied, "From us that mystery is utterly hidden. Seek information from the sufferer himself."

Haitim arose, and coming up to the man, said, “Pray, friend, what is the meaning of this mysterious exclamation which you utter? From what cause are you involved in such a state of misery? For heaven's sake inform me of your condition."

The man of woe replied, “My kind friend, I am the chief of all this assembly. My name is Yusuf, and my occupation has been that of a merchant.

"I was journeying with goods to the city of Kharzim, and those whom you see here were my servants that attended me.

"In my disposition I was so great a miser that I never gave away in charity a single farthing of my money, nor one rag of apparel, nor a morsel of food; nay, not even a drop of water would I bestow on my fellow creatures.

"These my attendants, on the other hand, were wont to give of their food to the hungry, and they clothed the naked, and bestowed their money in charity upon the poor and needy, and all such as were destitute.

"I used to chide them severely, saying, 'Pray, sirs, for what purpose do you thus squander your money, and give away your food without any return?'

"Their reply was, 'This we do as a service acceptable to our Creator, and due to our fellow-creatures-a service of which we shall receive the reward and reap the advantages in a future state.'

"On receiving from them such answers I used to beat them, and often did I threaten them with punishment on account of their generosity.

"I also argued with them, but to no purpose, and whenever any one of them ventured to give me salutary advice I paid not the least regard to him.

"On our journey a gang of robbers surrounded and overpowered us, and seized the whole of my property. They then murdered me and all my attendants, and, having buried us in this spot, they departed.

"My servants are, as you may perceive, crowned with glory for their charitable deeds and generous disposition; and I, on account of my baseness and avarice, am plunged into the lowest depth of misery. "In my native country my descendants are now living in a state of abject poverty. My residence was in the capital of China, in such a quarter (here he described the exact locality of the house), and in a certain chamber of the house is buried an immense treasure in gold and jewels, of which no one has any knowledge.

This is another instance of my avaricious disposition, and accounts for the state in which you now behold me. See what an exalted rank my servants have attained! They are seated upon thrones; they fare upon the most delicious food, and drink of the purest and coolest streams, and are clothed in the apparel of angels, while I am doomed to suffer the pangs of misery and despair." Haitim, on hearing this account, addressed him, saying, "Is it in any way possible to administer to your relief?"

Yusuf replied, "Many a long year have I already passed in this state of torment, but no one has hitherto listened to my cries. This night you have approached me, and compassionately interested yourself in my condition; on you, then, God the Supreme will bestow his guidance in your endeavours to serve me.

"Proceed forthwith to the capital of China, and find out my residence. My name, as I told you, is Yusuf, and in my day I was well known in all quarters of the city, and my grandchildren are still there in a state of destitution.

"When you arrive at my residence inform them of my condition, and tell them where they will find hidden the vast treasure of gold and jewels. This treasure you shall bring to light, and divide into four equal portions; bestow one of these shares on my grandchildren, and the other three you shall expend in charitable deeds,in feeding the hungry, in clothing the naked, and in administering to the distress of the poor and needy.

"Do this, and perhaps my doom may be mitigated, for though I have suffered martyrdom I am not entitled to salvation, so heinous is the crime of avarice; whereas my servants, on account of their liberality, are now in a state of happiness."

Haitim solemnly promised, in the name of his Creator, that he would strictly perform what Yusuf desired him, and added, "I should no longer consider myself of the tribe of Taï had I refused to lend you my aid in your distress."

Haitim remained there during the whole of the night, and witnessed what kind of happiness the servants enjoyed, while their wretched master passed his time in weeping and lamentation. When the morning began to dawn, the martyrs vanished from sight, each into his silent cell.

(To be continued.)

TALES FROM SHAKSPEARE.

THE TEMPEST.

HERE was a certain island in the sea, the only inhabitants of which were an old man, whose name was Prospero, and his daughter Miranda, a very beautiful young lady. She came to this island so young, that she had no memory of having seen any other human face than her father's.

They lived in a cave or cell, made out of a rock; it was divided

into several apartments, one of wi.ich Prospero called his study; there he kept his books, which chiefly treated of magic, a study at that time much affected by all learned men: and the knowledge of this art he found very useful to him; for being thrown by a strange chance upon this island, which had been enchanted by a witch called Sycorax, who died there a short time before his arrival, Prospero, by virtue of his art, released many good spirits that Sycorax had imprisoned in the bodies of large trees, because they had refused to execute her wicked commands. These gentle spirits were ever after obedient to the will of Prospero. Of these Ariel was the chief.

The lively little sprite Ariel had nothing mischievous in his nature, except that he took rather too much pleasure in tormenting an ugly monster called Caliban, for he owed him a grudge because he was the son of his old enemy Sycorax. This Caliban, Prospero found in the woods, a strange misshapen thing, far less human in form than an ape; he took him home to his cell, and taught him to speak; and Prospero would have been very kind to him, but the bad nature which Caliban inherited from his mother Sycorax would not let him learn anything good or useful: therefore he was employed like a slave, to fetch wood, and do the most laborious offices; and Ariel had the charge of compelling him to these services. When Caliban was lazy and neglected his work, Ariel (who was invisible to all eyes but Prospero's) would come slily and pinch him, and sometimes tumble him down in the mire; and then Ariel, in the likeness of an ape, would make mouths at him. Then swiftly changing his shape, in the likeness of a hegdehog he would lie tumbling in Caliban's way, who feared the hedgehog's sharp quills would prick his bare feet. With a variety of such like vexatious tricks Ariel would often torment him, whenever Caliban neglected the work which Prospero commanded him to do.

Having these powerful spirits obedient to his will, Prospero could by their means command the winds and the waves of the sea. By his orders they raised a violent storm, in the midst of which, and struggling with the wild sea-waves that every moment threatened to swallow it up, he showed his daughter a fine large ship, which he told her was full of living beings like themselves. "O my dear father," said she, "if by your art you have raised this dreadful storm, have pity on their sad distress. See! the vessel will be dashed to pieces. Poor souls! they will all perish. If I had power I would sink the sea beneath the earth, rather than the good ship should be destroyed, with all the precious souls within her."

"Be not so amazed, daughter Miranda," said Prospero; "there is no harm done. I have so ordered it, that no person in the ship shall receive any hurt. What I have done has been in care of you, my dear child. You are ignorant who you are, or where you came from, and you know no more of me, but that I am your father, and live in this poor cave. Can you remember a time before you came to this cell? I think you cannot, for you were not then three years of age."

"Certainly I can, sir," replied Miranda.

"By what?" asked Prospero; "by any other house or person? Tell me what you remember, my child."

Miranda said, "It seems to me like the recollection of a dream. But had I not once four or five women who attended upon me?" Prospero answered, "You had, and more, How is it that this still lives in your mind? Do you remember how you came here?" "No, sir," said Miranda, "I remember nothing more." "Twelve years ago, Miranda," continued Prospero, "I was duke of Milan, and you were a princess, and my only heir. I had a younger brother, whose name was Antonio, to whom I trusted everything; and as I was fond of retirement and deep study, I commonly left the management of my state affairs to your uncle, my false brother (for so indeed he proved). I, neglecting all worldly ends, buried among my books, did dedicate my whole time to the bettering of my mind. My brother Antonio, being thus in possession of my power, began to think himself the duke indeed. The opportunity I gave him of making himself popular among my subjects awakened in his bad nature a proud ambition to deprive me of my dukedom: this he soon effected with the aid of the King of Naples, a powerful prince, who was my enemy."

"Wherefore," said Miranda, "did they not that hour destroy us?" "My child," aswered her father, "they durst not, so dear was the love that my people bore me. Antonio carried us on board a ship, and when we were some leagues out at sea he forced us into a small boat, without either tackle, sail, or mast: there he left us, as he thought, to perish. But a kind lord of my court, one Gonzalo, who loved me, had privately placed in the boat, water, provisions, apparel, and some books which I prize above my dukedom." "O my father," said Miranda, "what a trouble must I have been to you then!"

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No, my love," said Prospero, "you were a little cherub that did preserve me. Your innocent smiles made me to bear up against my misfortunes. Our food lasted till we landed on this desert island,

since when my chief delight has been in teaching you, Miranda; and well have you profited by my instructions."

"Now

"Heaven thank you, my dear father," said Miranda. pray tell me, sir, your reason for raising this sea-storm ?" "Know then," said her father, "that by means of this storm, my enemies, the King of Naples and my cruel brother, are cast ashore upon this island."

Having so said, Prospero gently touched his daughter with his magic wand, and she fell fast asleep, for the spirit Ariel just then presented himself before his master, to give an account of the tempest, and how he had disposed of the ship's company, and though the spirits were always invisible to Miranda, Prospero did not choose she should hear him holding converse (as would seem to her) with the empty air. "Well, my brave spirit," said Prospero to Ariel, "how have you performed your task ?"

Miranda, who thought all men had grave faces and gray beards like her father, was delighted with the appearance of this beautiful young prince; and Ferdinand, seeing such a lovely lady in this desert place, and from the strange sounds he had heard, expecting nothing but wonders, thought he was upon an enchanted island and that Miranda was the goddess of the place, and as such he began to address her.

She timidly answered, she was no goddess, but a simple maid, and was going to give him an account of herself when Prospero interrupted her. He was well pleased to find they admired each other, for he plainly perceived they had (as we say) fallen in love at first sight; but, to try Ferdinand's constancy, he resolved to throw some difficulties in their way: therefore, advancing forward, he addressed the prince with a stern air, telling him he came to the island as a spy to take it from him who was lord of it. "Follow me," said he, "I will tie you neck and feet together. You shall drink sea-water; shellAriel gave a lively description of the storm, and of the terrors of fish, withered roots, and husks of acorns shall be your food." "No," the mariners; and how the king's son, Ferdinand, was the first who said Ferdinand, "I will resist such entertainment till I see a more leaped into the sea, and his father thought he saw his dear son swal-powerful enemy," and drew his sword; but Prospero, waving his lowed up by the waves and lost. "But he is safe," said Ariel, “in magic wand, fixed him to the spot where he stood, so that he had no a corner of the isle, sitting with his arms folded, sadly lamenting the power to move. loss of the king his father, whom he concludes drowned. Not a hair of his head is injured, and his princely garments, though drenched in the sea-waves, look fresher than before."

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"That's my delicate Ariel," said Prospero. Bring him hither: my daughter must see this young prince. Where is the king and my brother?"

"I left them," answered Ariel," searching for Ferdinand, whom they have little hopes of finding, thinking they saw him perish. Of the ship's crew not one is missing; though each one thinks himself the only one saved: and the ship, though invisible to them, is safe in the harbour."

"Ariel," said Prospero, "thy charge is faithfully performed: but there is more work yet.'

"Is there more work ?" said Ariel. "Let me remind you, master, you have promised me my liberty. I pray, remember, I have done you worthy service, told you no lies, made no mistakes, served you without grudge or grumbling."

"How now!" said Prospero.

"You do not recollect what a torment I freed you from. Have you forgot the wicked witch Sycorax, who with age and envy was almost bent double? Where was she born? Speak; tell me."

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Sir, in Algiers," said Ariel.

O, was she so ?" said Prospero. "I must recount what you have been, which I find you do not remember. This bad witch, Sycorax, for her witchcrafts, too terrible to enter human hearing, was banished from Algiers, and here left by the sailors; and because you were a spirit too delicate to execute her wicked commands, she shut you up in a tree, where I found you howling. This. torment, remember, I did free you from."

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Pardon me, dear master," said Ariel, ashamed to seem ungrateful; " I will obey your commands."

"Do so," said Prospero, " and I will set you free." He then gave orders what further he would have him do; and away went Ariel, first to where he had left Ferdinand, and found him still sitting on the grass in the same melancholy posture.

"O my young gentleman," said Ariel when he saw him, "I will soon move you. You must be brought, I find, for the Lady Miranda to have a sight of your pretty person. Come, sir, follow me." He then began singing,

"Full fathom five thy father lies:

Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes;
Nothing of him that doth fade,

But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell:

Hark! now I hear them, ding-dong-bell."

This strange news of his lost father soon roused the prince from the stupid fit into which he had fallen. He followed in amazement the sound of Ariel's voice, till it led him to Prospero and Miranda, who were sitting under the shade of a large tree. Now Miranda had never seen a man before, except her own father.

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der."

Miranda," said Prospero, "tell me what you are looking at yon

"O father," said Miranda, in a strange surprise, "surely that is a spirit. Lord! how it looks about! Believe me, sir, it is a beautiful creature. Is it not a spirit ?"

"No, girl," answered her father; "it eats, and sleeps, and has senses such as we have. This young man you see was in the ship. He is somewhat altered by grief or you might call him a handsome person. He has lost his companions, and is wandering about to find them."

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Miranda hung upon her father, saying, "Why are you so ungentle ? Have pity, sir; I will be his surety. This is the second man I ever saw, and to me he seems a true one."

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Silence," said the father; "one word more will make me chide you, girl. What! an advocate for an impostor! You think there are no more such fine men, having seen only him and Caliban. I tell you, foolish girl, most men as far excel this, as he does Caliban."

This he said to prove his daughter's constancy; and she replied, "My affections are most humble. I have no wish to see a goodlier "Come on, young man," said Prospero to the prince, "you have no power to disobey me."

man.

"I have not indeed," answered Ferdinand; and not knowing that it was by magic he was deprived of all power of resistance, he was astonished to find himself so strangely compelled to follow Prospero: looking back on Miranda as long as he could see her, he said, as he went after Prospero into the cave, My spirits are all bound up, as if I were in a dream: but this man's threats, and the weakness which I feel, would seem light to me if from my prison I might once a day behold this fair maid."

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Prospero kept Ferdinand not long confined within the cell: he soon brought out his prisoner, and set him a severe task to perform, taking care to let his daughter know the hard labour he had imposed on him, and then pretending to go into his study, he secretly watched them both.

Prospero had commanded Ferdinand to pile up some heavy logs of wood. Kings' sons not being much used to laborious work, Miranda soon after found her lover almost dying with fatigue. "Alas!" said she, "do not work so hard; my father is at his studies, he is safe for these three hours; pray rest yourself."

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"O my dear lady," said Ferdinand, "I dare not. I must finish my task before I take my rest."

"If you will sit down," said Miranda, "1 will carry your logs the while." But this Ferdinand would by no means agree to. Instead of a help Miranda became a hindrance, for they began a long conversation, so that the business of log-carrying went on very slowly.

Prospero, who had enjoined Ferdinand this task merely as a trial of his love, was not at his books, as his daughter supposed, but was standing by them invisible, to overhear what they said.

Ferdinand inquired her name, which she told, saying it was against her father's express command she did so.

Prospero only smiled at this first instance of his daughter's disobedience, for having by his magic art caused his daughter to fall in love so suddenly, he was not angry that she showed her love by forgetting to obey his commands. And he listened well pleased to a long speech of Ferdinand's, in which he professed to love her above all the ladies he ever saw.

In answer to his praises of her beauty, which he said exceeded all the women in the world, she replied, "I do not remember the face of any woman, nor have I seen any more men than you, my good friend, and my dear father. How features are abroad, I know not; but, believe me, sir, I would not wish any companion in the world but you, nor can my imagination form any shape but yours that I could like. But, sir, I fear I talk to you too freely, and my father's precepts I forget."

At this Prospero smiled, and nodded his head, as much as to say, "This goes on exactly as I could wish; my girl will be queen of Naples."

And then Ferdinand, in another fine long speech (for young prin ces speak in courtly phrases), told the innocent Miranda he was heir to the crown of Naples, and that she should be his Queen.

"Ah, sir," said she, "I am a fool to weep at what I am glad of.

I will answer you in plain and holy innocence. I am your wife, if you will marry me."

them."

Prospero prevented Ferdinand's thanks by appearing visible before "Fear nothing, my child," said he; "I have overheard, and approve of all you have said. And, Ferdinand, if I have too severely used you, I will make you rich amends, by giving you my daughter. All your vexations were but trials of your love, and you have nobly stood the test. Then as my gift, which your true love has worthily purchased, take my daughter, and do not smile that I boast she is above all praise." He then, telling him that he had business which required his presence, desired they would sit down and talk together till he returned; and this command Miranda seemed not at all disposed to disobey. When Prospero left them, he called his spirit Ariel, who quickly appeared before him, eager to relate what he had done with Prospero's brother and the King of Naples. Ariel said he had left them almost out of their senses with fear, at the strange things he had caused them to see and hear. When fatigued with wandering about, and famished for want of food, he had suddenly set before them a delicious banquet, and then, just as they were going to eat, he appeared visible before them in the shape of a harpy, a voracious monster with wings, and the feast vanished away. Then, to their utter amazement, this seeming harpy spoke to them, reminding them of their cruelty in driving Prospero from his dukedom, and leaving him and his infant daughter to perish in the sea; saying, that for this cause these terrors were suffered to afflict them. The King of Naples, and Antonio the false brother, repented the injustice they had done to Prospero; and Ariel told his master he was certain their penitence was sincere, and that he, though a spirit, could not but pity them.

"Then bring them hither, Ariel," said Prospero: "If you, who are but a spirit, feel for their distress, shall not I, who am a human being like themselves, have compassion on them? Bring them. quickly, my dainty Ariel.”

Ariel soon returned with the King, Antonio, and old Gonzalo in their train, who had followed him, wondering at the wild music he played in the air to draw them on to his master's presence. This Gonzalo was the same who had so kindly provided Prospero formerly with books and provisions, when his wicked brother left him, as he thought, to perish in an open boat in the sea.

Grief and terror had so stupified their senses, that they did not know Prospero. He first discovered himself to the good old Gonzalo, calling him the preserver of his life; and then his brother and the king knew that he was the injured Prospero.

Antonio with tears, and sad words of sorrow and true repentence, implored his brother's forgiveness; and the king expressed his sincere remorse for having assisted Antonio to depose his brother: and Prospero forgave them; and, upon their engaging to restore his dukedom, he said to the king of Naples, I have a gift in store for you, too;" and opening a door, showed him his son Ferdinand playing at chess with Miranda.

Nothing could exceed the joy of the father and the son at this unexpected meeting, for they each thought the other drowned in the storm.

"O wonder!" said Miranda, "what noble creatures these are! It must surely be a brave world that has such people in it.”

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The King of Naples was almost as much astonished at the beauty and excellent graces of the young Miranda, as his son had been. "Who is this maid?" said he, "she seems the goddess that has parted us, and brought us thus together." No, sir," answered Ferdinand, smiling to find his father had fallen into the same mistake that he had done when he first saw Miranda, "she is a mortal; but by immortal Providence she is mine. I chose her when I could not ask you, my father, for your consent, not thinking you were alive. She is the daughter of this Prospero, who is the famous Duke of Milan, of whose renown I have heard so much, but never saw him till now: of him I have received a new life: he has made himself to me a second father, giving me this dear lady."

"Then I must be her father," said the king: but, oh! how oddly will it sound, that I must ask my child forgiveness.'

"No more of that," said Prospero: "let us not remember our troubles past, since they so happily have ended." And then Prospero embraced his brother, and again assured him of his forgiveness; and said that a wise, overruling Providence had permitted that he should be driven from his poor dukedom of Milan, that his daughter might inherit the crown of Naples, for that by their meeting in this desert island it happened that the king's son had loved Miranda.

These kind words which Prospero spoke, meaning to comfort his brother, so filled Antonio with shame and remorse, that he wept and was unable to speak; and the kind old Gonzalo wept to see this joyful reconciliation, and prayed for blessings on the young couple. Prospero now told them that their ship was safe in the harbour,

and the sailors all on board her, and that he and his daughter would accompany them home the next morning. "In the meantime," says he, "partake of such refreshments as my poor cave affords; and for your evening's entertainment I will relate the history of my life from my first landing in this desert island." He then called for Caliban to prepare some food, and set the cave in order; and the company were astonished at the uncouth form and savage appearance of this ugly monster, who (Prospero said) was the only attendant he had to wait upon him.

Before Prospero left the island, he dismissed Ariel from his service, to the great joy of that lively little spirit; who, though he had been a faithful servant to his master, was always longing to enjoy his free liberty, to wander uncontrolled in the air, like a wild bird, under green trees, among pleasant fruits, and sweet-smelling flowers. "My quaint Ariel," said Prospero to the little sprite when he made him free,." I shall miss you; yet you shall have your freedom." "Thank you, my dear master," said Ariel; "but give me leave to attend your ship home with prosperous gales. before you bid farewell to the assistance of your faithful spirit; and then, master, when I am free, how merrily I shall live!" Here Ariel sung this pretty song: "Where the bee sucks, there suck I;

In a cowslip's bell I lie:

There I crouch when owls do cry.
On the bat's back I do fly
After summer merrily.

Merrily, merrily shall I live now

Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.

Prospero then buried deep in the earth his magical books and wand, for he was resolved never more to make use of the magic art. And having thus overcome his enemies, and being reconciled to his brother and the King of Naples, nothing now remained to complete his happiness but to revisit his native land, to take possession of his dukedom, and to witness the happy nuptials of his daughter and Prince Ferdinand, which the king said should be instantly celebrated with great splendour on their return to Naples. At which place, under the safe convoy of the spirit Ariel, they, after a pleasant voyage, soon arrived.

TO THE DAISY. LITTLE flower with starry brow, Slumbering in thy bed of snow: Or with lightly tinged ray, Winter gone and storms away, Peeping from thy couch of green With modest head and simple mien; How I love to see thee lie,

In thy low serenity,

Basking in the gladsome beam;
Or, beside some murmuring stream,
Gently boxing from thy nest,
Greet the water's silver breast.
Or mid fissure of the rock,
Hidden from the tempest's shock,
Vie with snowy lily's bell,
Queen and fairy of the dell.
Thee nor wind nor storm can tear
From thy lonely mountain lair;
Nor the sleety, sweeping rain,
Root thee from thy native plain;
Winter's cold, nor Summer's heat,
Blights thee in thy snug retreat;
Chill'd by snow or scorched by flame,
Thou for ever art the same.
Type of truth, and emblem fair
Of Virtue struggling through despair,
Close may sorrows hem it round,
Troubles bend it to the ground,
Yet the soul within is calm,
Dreads no anguish, fears no harm,
Conscious that the Hand which tries
All its latent energies,

Can, with more than equal power,
Bear it through temptation's hour-
Still the conflict, soothe its sighs,
And plant it 'neath congenial skies.

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