The Tempest

The Magician, Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda, have been stranded for twelve years on an island. Prospero's jealous brother Antonio, assisted by Alonso, the King of Naples, deposed him and set him adrift with his 3-year-old daughter Miranda. Gonzalo, Alonso's counselor, had secretly supplied their boat with some food and fresh water, as well as "rich garments, linens, stuffs and necessaries," and books that Prospero prizes. Possessing magic powers due to his great learning, Prospero is reluctantly served by a spirit, Ariel, whom Prospero had rescued from a tree in which he had been trapped by the cruel witch, Sycorax, after he had refused to obey her. Prospero maintains Ariel's loyalty by repeatedly promising to release the "airy spirit" from servitude.