Some god of the island. Sitting on a bank, ARIEL sings. Full fathom five thy father lics; 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. [Burden, ding-dong. Fer. The ditty does remember my drown'd father: This is no mortal business, nor no sound That the earth owes 18 :-I hear it now above me. Pro. The fringed curtains of thine eye advance, And say, what thou seest yond'. Mira. What is't? a spirit? Lord, how it looks about! Believe me, sir, It carries a brave form :-But 'tis a spirit. Pro. No, wench; it eats and sleeps, and hath such senses As we have, such: This gallant, which thou seest, Was in the wreck; and but he's something stain'd With grief, that's beauty's canker, thou might'st call him A goodly person: he hath lost his fellows, And strays about to find them. Mira. A thing divine; for nothing natural I ever saw so noble. Pro. It goes on, I might call him [Aside. As my soul prompts it:- Spirit, fine spirit, I'll free thee Within two days for this. Fer. Most sure, the goddess On whom these airs attend!-Vouchsafe, my prayer May know, if you remain upon this island; Mira. But, certainly a maid. Fer. No wonder, sir; My language! heavens! I am the best of them that speak this speech, Pro. How! the best? What wert thou, if the king of Naples heard thee? Fer. A single thing, as I am now, that wonders To hear thee speak of Naples: He does hear me; And, that he does, I weep: myself am Naples; Who with mine eyes, ne'er since at ebb, beheld Mira. Alack, for mercy! Fer. Yes, faith, and all his lords; the duke of Milan, And his brave son, being twain 19. Pro. The duke of Milan, And his more braver daughter, could control thee, I'll set thee free for this !-A word, good sir; I fear, you have done yourself some wrong: a word. That e'er I sigh'd for: pity move my father Fer. And your O, if a virgin, affection not gone forth, I'll make you The queen of Naples. Pro. Soft, sir; one word more.- They are both in either's powers: but this swift business I must uneasy make, lest too light winning [Aside. Make the prize light.-One word more; I charge thee, That thou attend me: thou dost here usurp The name thou ow'st not: and hast put thyself Upon this island, as a spy, to win it From me, the lord on 't. Fer. No, as I am a man. Mira. There's nothing ill can dwell in such a tem ple: If the ill spirit have so fair an house, Good things will strive to dwell with't. Pro. Follow me.-[To Ferd. Speak not you for him ; he's a traitor.-Come. I'll manacle thy neck and feet together: Fer. I will resist such entertainment, till Mine enemy has more power. Mira. No; [He draws. O dear father, Make not too rash a trial of him, for He's gentle, and not fearful. Pro. What, I say, My foot my tutor!-Put thy sword up, traitor; Who mak'st a shew, but dar'st not strike, thy con science Is so possess'd with guilt: come from thy ward; For I can here disarm thee with this stick, And make thy weapon drop. Mira. Pro. Hence! hang not on my garments. Mira. I'll be his surety. Pro. Beseech you, father! Sir, have pity; Silence: one word more Shall make me chide thee, if not hate thee. What! An advocate for an impostor? hush! |