DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

ALONSO, King of Naples

SEBASTIAN, his brother

PROSPERO, the right Duke of Milan

ANTONIO, his brother, the usurping Duke of Milan

FERDINAND, Son to the King of Naples

GONZALO, an honest old Counselor

SYNOPSIS

By J. ELLIS BURDICK

ACT I

During a tempest there is wrecked on the shores of an enchanted island a vessel in which are Alonso, the king of Naples, Sebastian, his brother; Ferdinand, his son; Antonio, an usurping Duke of Milan, and their attendants. On this island dwell Prospero and his daughter Miranda, with a deformed slave, Caliban. During the storm Prospero unfolds to his daughter the story of his past life. He was the rightful Duke of Milan and had been deposed by his brother Antonio, aided by Alonso, king of Naples. They dared not kill him because of the love the people bore him, and so they set him and his little daughter adrift on the sea in an open boat. A noble Neapolitan, Gonzalo, out of his charity provisioned the boat with some food and fresh water, and gave them some rich garments, linens, stuffs, and other necessaries. He also placed in the boat some books which he knew the Duke prized very highly. Twelve years had passed since they had landed on that island, years spent by Prospero in teaching his daughter and in studying his books of magic. At last Fortune had brought his enemies to the island's shore and he had raised the storm that he might get them in his power. Ariel, one of the spirits subject to him, enters and reports that all of the passengers have come safely to land, but are scattered in groups, and that the ship is safe, hidden in an odd angle of the isle. The king's son, Ferdinand, is separated from all his friends and is lured by Ariel's music into the presence of Prospero and Miranda. Im

mediately the prince and princess fall in love with each

other.

ACT II

The other victims of the shipwreck wander about the island until all except Antonio and Sebastian are lulled to sleep by Ariel's music. These two plan to murder the king, so that if they should be rescued Sebastian may become king of Naples. Ariel frustrates their plot by awakening Gonzalo. In another part of the island Trinculo, a jester, and Stephano, a butler, discover Caliban.

ACT III

To test Ferdinand's love for Miranda, Prospero sets him to carrying and piling logs. He works faithfully, refusing to let Miranda help him, but telling her of his love for her. Caliban tells Stephano and Trinculo that he is subject to a tyrant and a sorcerer, and the three plan to kill Prospero and have the island for tnemselves. Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, and the others wander about until they are nearly overcome with hunger and weariness. Prospero, aided by Ariel, tantalizes them with the vision of a spectral banquet.

ACT IV

Ferdinand's labors are rewarded by the gift of Miranda's hand from her father, who entertains the lovers with visions of spirits. Their revels are interrupted by the remembrance of Caliban's plot against Prospero's life. The conspirators are frustrated and punished by Ariel and Prospero, who set divers spirits in the shape of dogs and hounds upon them.

ACT V

Ariel brings Alonso and his companions to Prospero's cell. Resolved to forgive them if they should be penitent for the past, Prospero reveals his identity to them. His

dukedom is restored to him. Alonso mourns his son as lost, but Prospero shows him Ferdinand playing at chess with Miranda. Alonso sanctions their troth. Prospero swears to nevermore make use of his magic and the king and his company, with Prospero and his daughter journey to Naples to solemnize the nuptials of Ferdinand and Miranda.